HISTORY:

The seeds of the Arts Alliance of Stratford were planted in 2006 when community member and artist Debbie Gilbert began dreaming of an arts group she could commune with in 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.

The Stratford Arts Guild began operations later that year with a board of 12 people. The name was changed to the Coastal Arts Guild of CT in 2015 to reflect an interest in collaboration with neighboring towns. In June 2020, the name changed again to Arts Alliance of Stratford to reflect our roots in the local community.

The organization received its 501c3 status in 2016. The Alliance is currently solidifying a partnership with Sterling House Community Center and has based its operations there.

Over the years, The Alliance has partnered with many local organizations including 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.