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Dear Friends,
As I was walking on the Braintree ridge this morning, a flock of geese flew overhead pulling fall in its wake. Persistent honking heralded change to come. Change is rarely easy and while we celebrate the new season in Karen Mittelman’s life, her departure at the end of October is bittersweet. She leaves the Arts Council on solid footing led by a dedicated staff and the Vermont arts community energized and supported by unprecedented government funding and innovative partnerships that have carried it through a prolonged uncertain time.
As the summer unfolded and communities throughout Vermont celebrated with festivals, concerts and gallery openings, it began to feel like the arts scene had reawakened with fresh determination and a stronger spirit. The pandemic forced artists and organizations to find creative ways to share their work. While virtual performances and exhibits were unfamiliar, these arts opportunities reached previously unserved audiences that had been hampered by physical and economic barriers to accessibility. Poets, writers, visual artists, actors and musicians are telling their stories in new formats and in new settings.
We're pleased to present you with our FY22 Annual Report, brimming with stories of transformation, just like the new, 25-foot tall rising phoenix mural gracing the cover, brilliantly conceived and created by Juniper Creative Arts for Stowe Middle School with support from the Vermont Arts Council.
Over and over again we witness the power of the arts to heal and to bring communities together. There is much to celebrate and yet, much remains uncertain. The year ahead will bring transformation to the Arts Council and continued challenges for artists and organizations. With your support, Vermont’s arts community will continue to entertain, provoke, and inspire.
As the arts community faces an uncertain future, we need to rely on supporters like you. We encourage you to give what you can. When the arts and creativity thrive we are all enriched. We are grateful for your confidence in us as we move forward and all you do to keep Vermont’s arts landscape strong and vibrant.
With gratitude,
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