2025 Arts & Culture Grant Application, Citizen of the Year Nominations Now Open
Two Opportunities from City Available for Submissions
STAMFORD — City officials recently announced two highly anticipated opportunities to recognize Stamford organizations and individuals for contributions to the community are now available.
On Wednesday, October 2, the Stamford Arts & Culture Commission released the application for arts and cultural groups to apply for a 2025 Arts & Culture Grant.
To apply, visit stamfordct.gov/sacgrant. All artists and organizations interested in receiving grant funding should send an application to sacgrant@stamfordct.gov by no later than Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Mayor Caroline Simmons, according to the announcement, “remains committed to expanding access and engagement to the arts in Stamford to all residents.”
A total of $197,245 was provided by the city this year to support local nonprofits and artists to extend their creativity and impacts throughout Stamford.
“Every year, the programming that comes out of the Stamford Arts and Culture Application process brings about spirited and unique art and cultural projects and performances that enhance the vibrancy of our community,” Simmons said in the press release. “I want to express my gratitude to Director of Economic Development Leah Kagan, Chair of the Arts & Culture Commission Lynne Colatrella, members of the Arts & Culture Commission, and Program Manager Aaron Miller, for their dedication and work to expand arts and culture programming in our city.”
Earlier this year, there were more than two dozen Arts & Culture grant recipients ranging from Architecture Workshop and the Stamford Arts Association to others. See the full list here and read a recap of the awarding ceremony here.
Mayor Caroline Simmons also last week announced that nominations for the 2025 Citizen of the Year honor are now available.
“The City of Stamford has many dedicated and committed residents who make remarkable contributions to our community,” she said in a press release. “The Citizen of the Year recognition is a way to honor those achievements and those who make a difference in the lives of others.”
All nominations are required to provide a bullet point list of a nominee’s background and qualifications that reflect the following criteria.
Demonstrate a belief in interfaith harmony.
Possess the highest standards of responsibility in civic life.
Help in the promotion of projects for the public welfare.
Has a meaningful connection to the City of Stamford and has made significant contributions to the betterment of the city.
Nominations can be filled out at stamfordcoty.org and emailed to info@StamfordCOTY.org or mailed to:
Nominations Committee
2025 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year
48 Putter Drive
Stamford, CT 06907
The deadline to provide all nominations is Friday, December 13, 2024.
“It’s always wonderful to celebrate our COTY’s dedication and commitment to Stamford through their impactful service,” Stamford Citizen of the Year Board President & Founder and Scholarship Selection Committee Co-Chair and Founder Gary H. Stone said in the announcement. “An added benefit is having the opportunity to learn more about the personal lives of our honorees from the various biographical information that’s compiled as part of the ‘celebration.’”
“Additionally, honoring veterans and high school seniors who have demonstrated their deep commitment to our community affords us an annual opportunity to celebrate the dedication and achievements of these phenomenal individuals,” Stamford Citizen of the Year Board Founder and Scholarship Selection Committee Co-Chair and Founder Rick Redniss said. “Each year we look forward to learning more about all COTY nominees. Then the selection committee makes the difficult decision of choosing just one who makes us proud to be part of the City of Stamford.”
“We are honored to be chairing the committee to select the next Citizen of the Year and carry on this 79-year tradition,” Bill and Jevera Hennessey, 2023 Citizens of the Year said.
The following individuals will serve on the selection committee:
Jevera Kaye Hennessey, 2023 Citizen of the Year
William Hennessey, 2023 Citizen of the Year
Adriana Molina, 2024 Citizen of the Year
Stephen Fischer, Commander, Jewish War Veterans Post 142
Lauren Franciamore, Person to Person, Member-at-large
Arty Selkowitz, 2011 Citizen of the Year, Member-at-large
“I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on your fellow residents who have made a difference in your life and Stamford’s community,” Simmons later said in the release. “Take the time to nominate a special person who consistently contributes to making Stamford the exceptional place that it is.”
Past Citizens of the Year include community advocate Juanita T. James, the late Mill River Park Collaborative President and CEO Dudley N. Williams, Jr., Governor Dannel P. Malloy and, most recently, Stamford Police Sergeant Adriana Molina, who was recognized for her community contributions earlier this year.
🌊