Cultural Districts update
L to R: Paul Geise, Lieutenant Governor Susan Byscewicz, First Selectman Danielle Chesebrough and DECD Director Luz Shapiro at The LaGrua Center on May 10th.
This May marked the end of an application process and the beginning of our commission’s work to promote, support, strengthen, enhance, and advance Stonington's rich reservoir of cultural assets within its specified districts, as well as to highlight the community’s culture and history. Stonington is so blessed that we received two designated districts!
Lieutenant Governor Susan Byscewicz and DECD Director Luz Shapiro praised Stonington and noted its important role as an economic engine for Connecticut tourism. In the summer we have Mystic outdoor arts festival; in the winter the Lobster Trap tree. And throughout every season we have numerous historical and cultural attractions and events.
The immediate work of the Commission ahead will be to formally articulate a strategic vision for a sustainable future.
How do we best strengthen the assets we have for both those who live here and those who visit?
How do we best support new ideas and initiatives?
How do we best enhance the creative and cultural arts community for vendors in and visitors to Stonington?
In so doing, efforts and actions by the commission will seek to promote tourism and increase visits as well as improve residents’ overall quality of life. You can learn more about the commission here.
As poet Mary Oliver aptly expressed in The Messenger, “Our work is loving the world.”
Paul G Geise
PS — Did you know that Town Dock is the largest single parcel in the Borough Cultural District? Yup!
Check out ART ON THE DOCK