Why Community Matters. Always.
Why Community Matters. Always.
This is the second installment of a 3-part series. Be sure to read Why Art Matters. Always.
a little history
Nearly 50 years ago, a group of Milford artists came together and began to meet in each other's homes. There were painters, actors, writers; artists of all walks and genres. In 1970, the year after the Summer of Love, these artists began a discussion about why the arts matter, to them and to the greater community.
This group came together, supported each other, and provided artistic opportunities and experiences in and around Milford. Their conversations became meetings, and meetings became action. There were exhibits in corporate lobbies, the Library, and the Yacht Club. There were teaching artists who went into the classrooms and ran art camp in Eisenhower Park. There were concerts and plays at City Hall, churches, and schools.
“Do something outside of yourself. Something to repair tears in your community. Something to make life a little better for people. That’s what I think a meaningful life is. Living not for oneself, but for one’s community.”
The City of Milford acknowledged this group as the city’s art council and the Milford (Fine) Arts Council was born in 1971, becoming a certified 501(c)3 in 1972. Conversations, meetings, and arts offerings continued for 10 years until Milford Arts Council decided it was time to find a home. A home where they could present all of their programs, under one roof, on a single stage, and to an entire community.
The community rose up, greeted that challenge, and granted that wish with their support, their membership, their donations, their sponsorship, and their investment in something greater than themselves. The community of Milford, its residents, businesses and government came together for the arts - and the MAC opened its doors in 1995.
here we are
Nearly 50 years later we recognize, more than ever, the importance of community.
We stand in a similar place - in need of a community that will meet another big challenge. The challenge to keep our home for another 50 years.
This is not a given… especially now.
art is a movement
Art matters because it creates community. It connects us and gives us our sense of place and belonging. Community means being a part of something bigger than oneself which improves our happiness, our health, our well-being.
Community matters because it creates art. And by art we mean anything that is expressed from the imagination. Community means investing time, energy, and talent into a collective imagination. A vision.
Our vision to see creativity everywhere and our mission to provide audiences, students, and artists with opportunities and experiences in the arts that enlighten, enrich, and entertain.
Wherever you are, join the movement.