Community Wellness

OUR focus on healthy communities

Studies have shown that the arts help communities begin to recognize their own identity, culture, traditions, and the value of working together at a local level.  They are a means to public dialogue, contribute to the development of a community’s creative learning, provide a powerful tool for community mobilization and activism, and help build capacity and leadership.

The arts are also a powerful tool in promoting mental health.  They help form a sense of community connection, which is integral to the happiness and health of our neighbors.

72% of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity” and 73% agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better”—a perspective observed across all demographic and economic categories.

- Americans for the Arts

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We believe that supporting mental health in our community through the arts means standing up for marginalized, oppressed, and subjugated people and amplifying their voices. We do not condone violence, discrimination, prejudice, or bias against any marginalized person. As an arts organization, we work to put the voices that are most unheard at the forefront to empower the movement toward creative justice.


The arts are a human right. The arts bring us together to celebrate cultural diversity. We will not be complicit in supporting any system that functions to uphold oppressive ideologies. Everyone deserves access to art and culture, to be included, and to feel a sense of belonging.


We are dedicated to serving the needs of everyone regardless of race, age, physical or mental ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status.

Our community partners

Latest in Community wellness

Research Study by Northwest CT Arts Council, 2022-2023
By NWCT Arts Council 25 Mar, 2024
The Northwest CT Arts Council presents research findings on post-COVID needs.
By NWCT Arts Council 18 Oct, 2023
Economic and Social Impact of $30,275,630 Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector in Northwest Connecticut
By NWCT Arts Council 07 Sep, 2023
Katina Hungerford-McGrath of Torrington and Yonah Sadeh of Falls Village were selected by the NWCT Arts Council based on artistic excellence and their contributions to community development.
By Katherine Pelletier 15 Jun, 2023
A Walk Through Nature with Northwest CT's Creative Experts
By Steph Burr 07 Feb, 2023
Northwest CT Arts Council: 2022 Annual Report
By DaSilva Wata 01 Sep, 2022
Positive energy filled the air for the Second Annual Litchfield Hills Creative Festival on Saturday, August 20th!
By Ella Frauenhofer 07 Jun, 2022
This project by Leadership Northwest Group #1 uses zines to help teenagers learn about mental health resources in Northwest Connecticut.
By Ella Frauenhofer 28 Mar, 2022
If you visit the Norfolk Library or the Harwinton Public Library, you might notice that the card catalogs are no longer filled with information about books, but rather with packets on packets of vegetable and flower seeds. Header image: seed packets from the Norfolk Library's seed library. Photo by Kelly Kandra Hughes.
By Steph Burr 31 Jan, 2022
2021 Annual Report - The Power of Community
By Steph Burr 06 Dec, 2021
The NWCT Arts Council is seeking a part time Grant Administrator to manage a re-granting program utilizing funds from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
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