Arts Alliance of Stratford was created to support and foster the growth of the arts, education, and cultural experiences in the Stratford, CT region.

We do this through collaborations among professional and emerging artists of all mediums, patrons of the arts, businesses, schools, and community organizations, and through advocacy for the arts.

The Alliance is pleased to partner with Sterling House Community Center and make it our new home.

Meet the Board of Directors

Our Mission

Arts Alliance of Stratford is a nonprofit organization working to build community and enhance the quality of life in the Stratford, Connecticut region. We collaborate with the public, artists, creatives, and art lovers offering opportunities to learn, teach, create, network, and enjoy the arts.

Our Vision

We believe in a world where our community thrives when the arts are consistently supported by businesses, government and the society at large; where the arts unify us and build common bonds by encouraging diversity and sharing artistic expression; and where people are empowered by the arts to flourish and find their voices.

Our Guiding Values

The work we do is guided by our commitment to these principles:

Be creative.
Build community.
Encourage diversity.
Support expression.
Create opportunities.
Drive learning.
Bring joy through experiences.
Operate with integrity.

Statement on racism, diversity and equality.

History

The seeds of Arts Alliance of Stratford were planted in 2006 when community member and artist Debbie Gilbert began dreaming of an arts group she could commune within town. In 2007, she assembled a group of interested citizens and artists at the Stratford Library to hear her vision for an arts organization that would provide a community for artists of all kinds and enjoyment of the arts for the general public.

Stratford Arts Guild began operations later that year with a board of 12 people. The name was changed to Coastal Arts Guild of CT in 2015 to reflect an interest in collaborations with neighboring towns. In 2020 it was changed to Arts Alliance of Stratford.

The organization received its 501c3 status in 2016.

Over the years, The Alliance has partnered with the Milford Arts Guild, Sterling House, the Stratford Squarewrights, Sister Cities Chorus, The Stratford Library, the Stratford Public Schools, The PTA, Make Music Day International, The Mighty Quinn Foundation, the Town of Stratford, Artists for World Peace and SCORE to bring the arts to the public.