CAP Latest News

Read our latest (December, 2024) ArtsLetter!

* THANK YOU for an amazing 2024!
* Ithaca Ranked in Top 40 Arts Vibrant Communities!
* 2024 CAP Honorees Caleb Thomas, Yen Ospina and Martha Frommelt
* Recent Grant Awardees
* 2023 CAP Honorees Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Rachel Lampert and Sue Perlgut
 

Engaged more artists than ever before in 2024, supporting them in their careers through outreach, one-on-one brainstorming, our new workshop program, networking events, and opportunities to sell and share their art with the public.
Grew each of our programs with more artists, more access, and greater audiences.
Created a new vision: A world where the arts and artists thrive.
And a new mission: To strengthen the arts in Tompkins County by supporting artists and arts groups, ensuring equitable access to the arts, and cultivating a creative culture that reflects our community’s diversity.
Distributed $595,000 through six grant programs that funded over 500 local artists, arts organizations and community organizations.

Image Captions:  Top L to R: Nicole Costa CAP ArtSpace Exhibit, Grantee MeeAh Caughey, Grantee Bree Barton’s ArtSpace Exhibit with Rayan. Middle L to R: WinnieBell Xinyu Zong at Spring Writes Literary Festival, Ryan Curtis at Ithaca Artist Market. Bottom L to R: Grantees CUMEP and Ithaca Murals, Grantees GIAC Jumpers

 

Ithaca is ranked #2 among the top 10 most arts-vibrant medium-sized communities in the US!

SMU DataArts, the National Center for Arts Research, releases an annual ranking of the 40 most arts-vibrant communities in the United States, organized into three separate lists based on community size, which identifies Ithaca, NY as number 2 in the list of 10 Medium-sized communities in the United States.

The list is based on their 2024 Arts Vibrancy Index which analyzes the level of supply, demand, and government support for the arts using data available in more than 900 communities across the country.

Ithaca debuted on the list in 2017 and has consistently appeared on Index since 2019.

This year, Ithaca is ranked second on the annual list of the 10 most arts-vibrant medium communities in the nation— the highest ranking it has ever achieved.

“In the face of rising costs, shifting funding sources and long-standing inequities in access, funding and employment, arts communities have continued to demonstrate their resilience and the undeniable richness they bring to towns and cities across the country,” stated Dr. Jennifer Benoit-Bryan, Director of SMU DataArts. “The Arts Vibrancy Index helps the arts community – leaders, businesses, governments, funders – better understand the dynamics of arts activities that occur in local areas. Over the years, it’s been rewarding to see the diverse ways the reports have been used: from funders who use data to analyze how their investments can increase arts vibrancy in the communities they serve to arts leaders who use the reports and interactive maps in their decision-making for relocating their operations or determining markets for touring shows. The Index has been indispensable in shining light on the arts in communities all across the country.”

At the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), we’re proud to contribute to this vibrant arts ecosystem through our initiatves, programs, grants and events. Together, we're fostering creativity, supporting local artists, and enriching our community.

“The recognition of the Ithaca area as a top arts-vibrant community underscores the importance of the arts to our region, both in terms of quality of life and as an economic engine,” says Megan Barber, CAP's Executive Director.

Adds Barber, ““It’s wonderful to receive this recognition, and yet our local arts sector, particularly the performing arts, is in crisis right now as audiences have still not come back in sufficient numbers. To keep the Ithaca area arts-vibrant, I encourage everyone to support our local arts organizations!”

Join us in celebrating Ithaca's remarkable arts community and the passionate creators who make it all possible!

 

2024 CAP Celebration and Honorees!

On November 15th, 2024 CAP held a Celebration of the Arts for our  donors, sponsors, and recent grantees.

Over 100 people gathered at the Downtown Ithaca Conference Center for an evening of food, music, and celebration. During the event, we were thrilled to thank our generous sponsors and donors, and to recognize the 2024 Tompkins County grant recipients. This year, we awarded 63 organizational grants and 100 individual artist grants, totaling $595,000 in funding. Since 1993, we’ve distributed over $7.5 million to support local initiatives and artists, and we look forward to continuing this vital work for years to come!

Three awards were given to community leaders in recognition of their efforts in building a vibrant arts community in Tompkins County. The recipients were celebrated for their dedication and leadership in supporting the arts, and their heartfelt comments were appreciated by all.

Yen Ospina and Caleb Thomas were the recipients of CAP's Community Arts Catalyst Award for spearheading the creation of vibrant art and arts opportunities in Tompkins County, and Martha Frommelt was the recipient of CAP's Friend of the Arts Award for her generous support of the Community Arts Partnership’s mission and her commitment to advancing the Arts throughout Tompkins County.

CAP Board member Gladys Brangman presented the Community Arts Catalyst Award to Caleb Thomas:

Caleb Thomas is the beautiful mind and artist behind the amazing work of Ithaca Murals. In Caleb’s own words, “Ithaca Murals isn’t an arts organization that cares about justice, but a justice organization that believes in the power of art and fun, to build lasting relationships. Lifting each other up and making good things happen.”  
And that is exactly what they do! Ithaca Murals implemented a cultural arts strategy for building our community stronger. And here is where Ithaca Murals hit’s my passion: They welcome everyone to be involved while prioritizing the leadership of people of color, under-employed and working class people, people with jail experience, women, LGBTQ+ community members, youth, and anyone who is passionate about justice.

I found a quote by Nina Simone on the Ithaca Murals website that speaks volumes of exactly who Caleb Thomas is:  “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. As far as I’m concerned, it’s their choice, but I CHOOSE to reflect the times and situations in which I find myself. That, to me, is my duty. And at this crucial time in our lives, when everything is so desperate, when every day is a matter of survival, I don’t think you can help but be involved. Young people, black and white, know this. That’s why they’re so involved in politics. We will shape and mold this country or it will not be molded and shaped at all anymore. So I don’t think you have a choice. How can you be an artist and NOT reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist."  

In 2009 there were about 15 mural locations in Ithaca.  Today there are over 400 and the numbers are continuing to grow.  It is an honor to present Caleb Thomas with one of the 2024 Community Arts Catalyst Awards.  Congratulations Caleb!

CAP Board Member Nick Goldsmith presented the Community ARts Catalyst Award to Yen Ospina:

Yen is a Colombian-American self-taught multidisciplinary artist who blends traditional and digital mediums to create works rich in storytelling and cultural resonance. Her paintings and murals can be seen today in multiple locations in Ithaca. She has been voted best visual artist in Best of Ithaca three times, in 2021, 2022, and 2024!

Besides recognizing her artistic skill and impact, it’s important to note Yen’s dedication to uplifting marginalized voices. Through her nomadic Orozco Gallery, Yen curates exhibitions which highlight the rich narratives and cultural experiences of BIPOC artists. “Present Conversations” is an annual exhibit in our CAP ArtSpace. The Orozco gallery not only serves as a platform for visual arts but also facilitates artist talks and community events aimed at encouraging dialogue between artists and audiences.

Yen also creates and organizes community events in her role as the President of the Latino Civic Association, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and uplifting the Hispanic/Latine community. Yen also founded the Annual Heritage Fiesta which takes place annually in October.

The Community Arts Catalyst award recognizes artists who make a big impact on our community through the arts. Yen has fully embraced a life of creative exploration, community-building, and cultural storytelling and continues to uplift marginalized voices. She truly does make a big impact.

Please join me in celebrating Yen as awardee of CAP’s 2024 Community Arts Catalyst award!

CAP Board Member Whitney Tassie presented the award to Martha Frommelt:

This award recognizes a community member for their steadfast and critical support of CAP and the arts in Tompkins County. This year’s awardee is the incredible Martha Frommelt.

Martha believes that because CAP is connected to artists at its core, its finger is on the pulse of what our community needs. And Martha would know. In 1991, she served on the Tompkins County Task Force that formed the Community Arts Partnership. And since then, she has supported CAP as a panelist, a consultant, a donor, and a genuine champion of our mission.

Martha’s love for the arts grew in Minnesota, where she earned a degree in Theater, designed and managed arts education, and lead a state-wide arts planning program. After arriving here in 1986, Martha pursued her passion for arts education as the program director for the Southern Tier for the Arts and as a consultant for what was then the Tompkins County Arts Council. Her commitment to the arts in our small but creative city has only grown over the past 4 decades. In the 2002, she played an integral role in the audit that inspired ICSD to create its still-unique director of fine and performing arts position. In 2003, she developed the City of Ithaca’s public art plan. And, she has served in countless volunteer roles supporting our K-12 communities.

For instance, from 2001 though 2022 (yes, 21 years), Martha volunteered for the Ithaca Community Fine Arts Booster Group. First as a grant chair. Then, in ad sales, and as vice president, and then president, and finally in communications. With the Fine Arts Booster Group, Martha worked alongside others and in partnership with the Ithaca City School District to increase student access to and participation in arts programs. Martha found inspiration in our hard-working teachers and in the collaboration of our diverse community as she worked to bring “all the arts to all the kids.”

Over the years, Martha has seen major growth in our art scene, with more artists, more arts organizations, and more school programs. Martha will tell you this is a reflection of the high value our community places on the arts and that she’s just “been around and showing up.” But that leadership, and that persistence is exactly what it takes to bring the community together to make the arts flourish.

So we honor Martha. We see you and all the work that you’ve done for the arts and arts education in our community. Thank you!

 

$570,000 2024 grants announced

To see all of our 2024 grant awardees, visit our "Recent Grantee Page"

The Community Arts Partnership, in partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the Tompkins County Tourism Program, and contributions from a private foundation and local donors, is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of our five grant programs.

NYSCA's SCR Program (Statewide Community Regrants) supports our “Grants for Arts Programs” for public arts events, our “Artist in Community Grant" for immersive artist and community work, and the “Arts Education” for K-12 artist residencies. Our Strategic Opportunity Stipend (SOS) supports individual artist career opportunities, and our Arts & Cultural Organizational Development grants support our major arts organizations as tourism assets. 

These grants fulfill a vital mission of the Community Arts Partnership for making arts and culture accessible to all and for cultivating a creative culture that reflects our community's diversity.

“By ensuring that state arts and culture funding strategically reaches our communities, the Community Arts Partnership provides vital support for New York State’s creative sector,” said Erika Mallin, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts. “NYSCA is a proud supporter of CAP and this unprecedented level of regrant funding for Tompkins County organizations and artists. Congratulations to all the grantees, we look forward to watching your creative and innovative projects flourish in the coming year.

CAP has administered the distribution of over $7.3 million through multiple regrant programs over the past 31 years!

 

Welcome Kenneth McLaurin!

Sir Kenneth is known as a quintuple threat as a comedian, storyteller, playwright, and actor. His unique humor, insightful social commentary, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences have made him a beloved figure in the arts scene.

Sir Kenneth's work extends beyond entertainment; he's a community builder who has played a pivotal role in developing the local comedy landscape. His motto, "Life's a joke, find the funny," captures his approach to both life and work, using comedy not just to entertain but to bring people together, challenge norms, and enrich the cultural fabric of our community.

Sir Kenneth's rich experience in comedy, storytelling, and community building uniquely equips him to drive our mission forward. His work is set to enrich our programs and initiatives, making the arts more accessible and engaging for everyone in our community. KennethMcLaurin.com

 

2023 CAP Honorees

On November 14th, CAP held a Celebration of the Arts for our 2023 donors, sponsors, and grantees. 

At the event, we gathered everyone into our CAP Artspace and presented three awards to three community leaders who have spearheaded and supported the creation of a vibrant arts community. We thank these recipients for their heartfelt and wonderful comments.

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne and Rachel Lampert were the recipients of CAP's Community Arts Catalyst Award (for spearheading the creation of vibrant art and arts opportunities in Tompkins County), and Sue Perlgut was the recipient of CAP's Friend of the Arts award for her generous support of the Community Arts Partnership’s mission to advance the Arts throughout Tompkins County.

(L to R: Sue, Rachel, Leslyn)

Leslyn McBean-Clairborne is many things in Tompkins County. She has been the Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) for 7 years, prior to which she served as the Deputy Director since 2003. She has served the community as a member of the Tompkins County Legislature for over 20 years and was vice-chair for three years and Chair of the Legislature for 2 years.

Leslyn has been an important advocate for human rights and diversity in Tompkins County through her work at GIAC and the legislature. She is also a trained actress and performer, spoken work artist and narrator, has been seen in many local stage productions and has written and performed her own theatrical work. Most of her self-composed work focuses on introducing audiences to the Black experience and to Black history.

Under her guidance, the Greater Ithaca Activities Center has a truly amazing staff that provide the community with exceptional and innovative arts programs, many funded by Community Arts Partnership grants. Those include monthly performers for the Senior Breakfast, the GIAC Jumpers, Phat Flow Factory (a rap and spoken work group), the Urban Art group, and local performers at their Black History Month and Festival of Nations events. In addition, she has worked with staff to offer a Performance Arts school-year group with emphasis on creating music, playing instruments, and voice training.

Rachel Lampert is a playwright, director, and choreographer who began her career in NYC. In 1997, she was appointed Artistic Director of the Kitchen Theatre Company and during her twenty-year tenure, she focused on expanding the repertory to include new plays, alternative theatrical formats, solo performances, movement-based work, and original musicals.

A strong advocate for young theater artists, she gave first-time directing opportunities to many young directors, mostly women, who continue to make theater nationwide. She championed playwrights by producing early-career writers on the Kitchen Theatre Mainstage and broadened the experience of the audience by hosting Kitchen Counter Culture, a series devoted to BIPOC solo performers. She has directed and choreographed at the Hangar Theatre, and has served on the INHS Board. 

She started her own company, Fitz&Startz Productions, in 2015 to have a home for her plays for younger audiences.

She retired from the Kitchen in 2017 and then came out of retirement and returned to lead the theater for their 2023-24 season and to help it find a sustainable future.

Her solo work is vast! Read much more about Rachel at her wikipedia page.

This year's recipient of our CAP Friend of the Arts Award is local artist Sue Perlgut. 

In addition to being a supporter of Tompkins County arts organizations, Sue has created a large body of work with lasting and local impact.

She has worked in theatre in NYC and Ithaca for more than 40 years as a teacher, actor, director, storyteller, puppet maker and playwright. Sue co-founded It’s All Right To Be Woman Theatre in NYC in 1970, a troupe that performed stories from their lives and is now featured in a documentary by Sue and Nils Hoover. She founded The Senior Troupe of Lifelong, where for 23 years she directed, wrote, and sometimes performed as the troupe told stories from their lives. In the 1980's, Sue was director of our predecessor, the Tompkins County Arts council.Sue was one of the organizers of the Women’s March in Ithaca in 2017 and made a short video to capture that day. This past fall Sue was one of the organizers, along with End Abortion Stigma, of Ithaca’s first Reproductive Justice Film Festival held at Cinemapolis. Sue has, in the past, served as board chair of GIAC, the Kitchen Theatre, and the Tompkins County Tourism Board. She is currently co-Chair of the board of Cinemapolis.

Sue formed CloseToHome Productions in 2007 to reach a wide-ranging audience with videos that feature topical and socially relevant issues.  See them at CloseToHomeproductions.com