Dear Friends of CRC,

I am so pleased to be writing to you and share what has been accomplished this past year and what is being planned for 2010.

Grants: CRC was able to re-grant close to $250,000 to art groups and artists across CNY through the generosity of the NYS Council on the Arts (NYSCA); and the support of Senator John DeFrancisco. CRC is just finishing up next year’s re-granting process, which totals $91,000 in NYSCA funds, while we continue to look for additional sources of money for re-grants.

CRC is grateful to have also been given a grant from the Central New York Community Foundation, Inc. to be used for strategic planning, a process that we have already started. As CRC has more information regarding this strategic initiative we will be sharing that, as well as where, when and how we will be engaging our stakeholders.

New Board Members: CRC is fortunate to have added several new board members during 2009. They include Mary Avrakotos, ARTSwego Coordinator; Catherine Gerard, Director, Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict and Collaboration, Maxwell School at SU; Sandra N. Hurd is SU’s Deputy Associate Provost, Academic Programs and Acting Dean, Graduate School, Law and Public Policy; while Mr. Patrick O’Connor has returned to the Board after stepping down in 2007 to act as CRC’s interim director.

Advocacy: CRC is now providing administrative support services for the Arts and Culture Leadership Alliance. You can find information about ACLA on this website. I also serve as a regional captain for NYS ARTS, our statewide arts advocacy organization. Contact me here at the offices if you have an arts concern.

I am thrilled at the way the 31st production of “The Adventures of Rudolph” at the Crouse Hinds Concert Theater went last week. Thank you one and all for making it happen again this year. I am happy that the upcoming MARK X workshops, sponsored by NYFA, garnered eighteen applicants that unfortunately had to be narrowed to a class of twelve.

I am very grateful for the support the community has shown and continues to exhibit towards CRC and myself. I’ve met many engaging and engaged individuals all interested and focused on making CNY’s arts and cultural community a vital part of today’s regional economy. I want the Central New York community to know with their guidance and support CRC will proudly aid, represent, and advocate for its stakeholders.

All the best,
Stephen Butler
Executive Director

Filed under: Uncategorized