Cultural Initiatives Help Local Businesses
For a small Connecticut town, Ridgefield has an impressive number of cultural resources. Unfortunately, however, the economic downturn is having an impact on our local arts. Sponsorship for non-profits like The Ridgefield Playhouse and CHIRP summer concerts has declined, and the future of many programs is at risk.
These organizations are not just sitting idly by, however. In addition to aggressively campaigning for sponsorships, groups are getting creative.
After receiving notice of a grant from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, the Aldrich Museum has teamed up with the Ridgefield Playhouse to create the “Look. Listen. Stay.” campaign. The initiative will entice visitors to Ridgefield by offering discounts on special cultural programs, restaurants and stays at local inns. “Look. Listen. Stay.” will run four times, once per month, launching on May 15. The Chamber of Commerce is also participating in the campaign by soliciting its members to offer incentives as part of the package.
Many of these businesses compete against one another but recognize that cooperation is a stronger tool. Spirited competition and neighboring businesses working together both help vitalize a community.
Image: Crowd at dusk in front of Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art.
