Opportunities

The City of Torrington is thrilled to launch Franklin After Five, a revamped Thursday night pop-up market running from August 6th through October 1st on Franklin Plaza. Designed to celebrate Torrington's downtown culture and provide a vibrant space for the community to connect, this weekly series will feature local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.

Whether you are a local artisan looking to showcase your craft, a food truck ready to serve up community favorites, this is your opportunity to engage directly with residents and visitors alike.

Vendor Fees are as follows: 

Table Vendor - $25

Food Truck - $50

Non-Profit - FREE

For questions, email EconomicDevelopment@torringtonct.org.

Franklin After Five: Thursdays, August 6 thru October 1st, 5 to 9 pm

Five Points Arts is hosting their annual Small Works Juried Show, where artists can submit up to three (3) works 24 inches or less, including frame, in any dimension.

This call for art is open to all artists, emerging or established, who are 18 years or older.

Only original artworks, in any style or medium - that have not been previously exhibited at Five Points Gallery, will be considered.

This year's juror is Patricia Carrigan, a CT painter and mixed media artist who has exhibited nationally and internationally since 1990.

Prize for the Best-in-Show Award is a solo exhibition at Five Points Gallery in 2027/28.

Submission Deadline: Sunday, Ocotber 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm

Exhibition Dates: Friday, November 20, 2026, thru Saturday, January 9, 2027

Your Path to Thriving

The National Resource Hub of professional development content is a project of Artist Thrive, a growing initiative offering activities, practices, language, visions and values of what it means to succeed and thrive as an artist – and what it means to have a thriving arts sector and, eventually, thriving communities. 

It is a set of interconnected and holistic resources that can guide us in improving our performance and, ultimately, the conditions in which artists can thrive. 

Resource categories include:

• Artistic Life
• Communicating & Connecting
• Development & Finance
• Marketing
• Legal
• Planning & Capacity

NYFA 1-on-1 Consultations for Immigrant Artists offers individualized career-centered conversations for creatives of all disciplines. 

During these FREE 40-minute online consultation sessions with arts industry experts, you can seek advice on specific topics or general resources and opportunities to help you navigate building your arts career in the U.S. 

Consultation session topics can include:

• Arts career planning, such as creating and locating opportunities
• Feedback on application materials, making connections, and building community
• Advice on working with curators, presenters, producers, and/or publishers
• Marketing strategies

The consultation is FREE thanks to the generosity of the Tremaine Foundation. The consultation can be done in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. To book for FREE, use the discount code IAP2024 at checkout. 

Assets for Artists offers an ever-evolving selection of workshops to address the most urgent needs, challenges, and opportunities facing artists in our region. Learn from our amazing artist-trainers and build connections with artist peers - you’re not alone! 

ASAP!’s Annual Celebration of Young Photographers invites students in grades 6-12 to submit their photographs for a chance to participate in a juried art exhibition. A panel of professional photographers selects 60 photos for a public exhibition, recognizing the top four photographers for their outstanding and thoughtful work based on the yearly theme.

This year's theme is Traditions.

Rules for Submission:

• Photos must be original and adhere to the theme described above
• Up to two (2) submissions per entrant will be accepted
• Diptychs and triptychs are not permitted
• All submissions must be originally captured by the entrant using a camera or similar photographic device. AI-generated images that create or replace the original content of the photograph are not permitted.
• Submissions will be scored based on the following: expression of theme, creativity or uniqueness of concept, composition, lighting, and technical knowledge
• Submissions must be accompanied by a 1-2 sentence description of your photograph(s)

File Requirements:

• Submissions must be 15-25MB, and 3,200-4,000 pixels on the longest side
• Submissions must be saved in JPEG format
• Submission files must be labeled as follows: lastname_firstname_title_grade.jpg (Ex: doe_jane_myhouse_9.jpg)
• Photos may be created with any type of camera including smartphones, DSLRs, and traditional film cameras
• Photo editing is permitted

Submission Deadline: Sunday, September 27 at Midnight

Celebration of Young Photographers: Sunday, November 1, from 2 to 3 pm

The ASAP! Youth Ensemble brings together young string musicians from Northwest Connecticut for four dynamic months of orchestral growth and creative collaboration. Students tackle challenging repertoire while building genuine friendships through innovative projects, field trips, performances, and exploring new musical techniques in a supportive, engaging environment.

Grammy-winning teaching artists James and Krystyana Czeiner—both Juilliard alumni—guide this unique musical journey with expert instruction that makes complex orchestral works accessible and exciting. Their approach combines rigorous skill development with creative exploration, helping students not only master their instruments but also develop a deep appreciation for ensemble music-making and collaborative artistry.

The program culminates with inspiring experiences that showcase student growth and musical achievement. This comprehensive experience transforms young musicians into skilled performers while building lasting connections and a lifelong love of orchestral music.

Sesssions Begin on Tuesday, October 6.

Sessions: Tuesdays & Some Wednesdays; October 6, 2026 thru January 20, 2027

Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford

Concerts: Wednesday, January 20, 2027 at 7 pm

The Silo at Hunt Hill Farm, New Milford