The Cattaraugus County Arts Council is now officially the Tri-County Arts Council! Currently celebrating 20 years of supporting the arts in Cattaraugus County, it is time for this important step in serving individual artists, arts organizations, and communities in Allegany and Chautauqua counties. Tina Hastings, Executive Director of the newly named Tri-County Arts Council, says “The name, “Cattaraugus County Arts Council,” has been a barrier to having communities and supporters of the arts understand who the Arts Council serves and we hope the new name will encourage more artists and organizations as well as the general public to connect with arts in the region.” In addition to administering the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Decentralization Program for Cattaraugus County, administration of the program for Allegany County was added in 1999, and for Chautauqua County in 2009. The hope is that “Tri-County Arts Council” will better reflect that work, and help to strengthen the many relationships and collaborations that have been built over the years with artists and organizations in the tri-county region.
The Tri-County Arts Council hopes to put a spotlight on the many vibrant arts communities in the region through the continued promotion of the NYSCA Decentralization grants, partnering with others to bring additional professional development and sales opportunities to artists, and helping to share events through our Regional Events Calendar. Hastings says, “we recognize and appreciate that there are many arts organizations in the tri-county region who offer spectacular programming. The goal of the Tri-County Arts Council is to build more connections while advocating on behalf of Cattaraugus, Allegany, and Chautauqua counties at the local, state and federal levels. We will continue to offer quality arts education, exhibitions and festivals in Cattaraugus County where the Arts Council office and studio will still be located.” The Arts Council is grateful to have received support from The Western New York Foundation through a Capacity Building Grant to assist with costs associated with this expansion of service.
Ira Katzenstein, Tri-County Arts board president says, “we look forward to building and expanding our support and services to area artists, arts organizations and community members. The arts in all forms are an important part of our area’s economy and enhance the quality of life.” The Tri-County Arts Council will be seeking new board members from Allegany and Chautauqua counties as part of the transition. If you would like more information about joining the Tri-County Arts Council’s Board of Directors during this exciting time please contact Tina Hastings, tina@myartscouncil.net. You can also support the arts by becoming a member.