About Us

The Fitchburg Cultural Alliance was formed in 1978

to promote the rich and diverse cultural

activities that exist in the community.

History

Our Mission

In 1978 a small group of area institutions formed the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance. Early members included Christ Church, the Fitchburg Art Museum, the Fitchburg Historical Society, the Fitchburg Public Library, and Stratton Players. This new organization aimed to serve as a forum for various arts-oriented groups in northern Worcester County. With arts grant money available for the first time from the Massachusetts Lottery Commission, the FCA's first event was a fair on Wallace Avenue. Members of the new organization performed there, and greeted the public.

Within a few years other groups had joined, including Fitchburg State College, the Leonard Gaskins Chorale, the Finnish Center at Saima Park, and Marion Rice Dance Studio. Events ranged from lectures (by esteemed drama critic Eliot Norton, and Yankee Magazine publisher Judson Hale) to dinners honoring regional arts avatars such as Madeleine Gaylor, Miriam Lehto, Eleanora West and Arthur Kissner. In the 1990s the FCA turned its focus towards student recognition and awarded scholarships and stipends to students in the arts.

Many original members are still vitally involved 43 years later and they foster the appreciation and encouragement of a variety of art forms.

To promote excellence, access, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences in order to improve the quality

of life and economic vitality

for Fitchburg residents and

surrounding communities.

GOALS

to create a nurturing environment in which all cultural activities may flourish

to expand awareness, understanding, and support for the cultural community within the region

to serve as a forum for communication and collaboration among cultural organizations

to build a sense of common purpose and identity

to provide services that enhance the capacities of cultural organizations

to bring opportunities and access in the arts to children/youth, emerging

and professional artists,

and community

Marion Rice, 1940.Founder of Marion Rice Dance Studio

Stratton Players, Waltz of the Toreadors, Directed by Miriam Lehto