Earlier this year, NWCT Arts Council received $15,000 of the City of Torrington’s ARPA funds for the purpose of re-granting to the local creative community. Thanks to that grant and the Arts Council’s Torrington Microgrants program, 13 new arts projects and initiatives will be taking place in Torrington this year! 

Torrington artists, organizations, and businesses representing all artistic disciplines were invited to apply for a Microgrant. Applicants were asked for proposals that celebrate and elevate the arts and Torrington through collaborative, community-centered, free arts projects. 

“We were so impressed by the local pride and diverse artistic talent of applicants”, says Katherine Pelletier, Development and Outreach Coordinator. “Each of these engaging, accessible projects will highlight the best parts of Torrington and enhance the quality of life for residents”. 

NWCT Arts Council received an enthusiastic response of over $30,000 in grant requests! All applicants were extremely qualified and well-deserving. Recipients were selected through a competitive grant review process based on the criteria of READI, sustainability, and artistic merit. 

Torrington Microgrant recipients and a brief description of their projects are as follows: 

Katina Hungerford: $1,000

Photography series highlighting local “Makers” and businesses

Susan A. Strand: $2,000

Drum program for Sullivan Senior Center

Trinity Episcopal Church: $1,350

Free Open Mic series

Our Culture is Beautiful: $2,500

A series of educational and interactive arts & culture programs/experiences open to the public

Michael Koury Terrace Housing Complex: $1,200

Pilot multi-disciplinary arts program for residents

KidsPlay Children's Museum. Inc.: $1,000

Family-friendly hands-on arts workshop facilitated by Jessica Jane Russell of Artroom Atelier, taking place during Litchfield Creative Festival 

Torrington Collective: $800

ReFace: A community art collaboration taking place at Salt 2.0 in downtown Torrington

Howard's Bookstore: $1,500

The Catacombs - a new gallery space within Howard’s Bookstore and debut show “Requiem for a Shoe Store”

Culture 4 A Cause: $650

Outdoor movie screening - open to the public during Litchfield Creative Festival 

The Philosophers' Guild: $500

Creation and disbursement of mixed-media marketing materials for the benefit and enjoyment of Torrington

Howard's Shoes' News: $600

A community-based magazine to to feature local artists, original artistic compositions, local businesses, entrepreneurs, and the promise of Torrington and NWCT

Torrington Library: $1,500

Self-expression creativity fair - including opportunities for children and teens to display their visual, literary, and performing arts talents

Rock Yer Block Inc.: $400

Cultivating the Arts in Torrington Project: A collaborative artistic project to promote Torrington and it’s businesses and support local tourism

This program was made possible by the City of Torrington and the American Rescue Plan Act.