Why Creativity Matters
What fuels a vibrant, connected and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Danbury?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good.
Believe it or not, you discover creativity in the ordinary every day as you walk, shop, work and play in Danbury. HamletHub’s “Why Creativity Matters” showcases these local experiences.
Meet Andrea Gartner, Danbury resident, founder of Gartner & Main.
When I think of creativity in the City of Danbury I think of…
Art is a great human equalizer and with the incredible diversity in Danbury, nowhere is that better reflected and expressed than in the culinary arts. There are no shortages of ethnic places to eat throughout the city: Portuguese, Middle Eastern, Italian, Chinese, Irish, Central American, Thai, Peruvian, Mexican, Korean, Jamaican, Japanese, Dominican, Brazilian, Greek, Hungarian, Vietnamese…and, of course, American! What I like about the variety of our ethnic eateries in Danbury is that it is a reminder of how culture is expressed through the culinary arts. The diversity of the local places draws in and brings together people from all over and all walks of life. You'll witness the intrepid foodie alongside a diner longing for the foods of her childhood, a college student looking for his cheap eats, or an immigrant family sharing a family meal.
Is there a person or organization using creativity to provoke change in the City of Danbury?
Arts and culture should be accessible for everyone because it’s an important way for people to connect and it’s an important part of thriving communities.
The Cultural Alliance makes the arts accessible throughout the region by fostering connections between individuals, organizations, and businesses for the advancement and support of arts, history, and culture. They are the cheerleader for the arts and culture when it comes to planning and funding priorities. Whether it’s leading an America for the Arts survey in the region to assess cultural assets, launching the very successful their 'Accessible Arts' program featuring area artists in rotating exhibits in locations open to the public, or connecting businesses with talent in the creative economy to inspire innovation, the Cultural Alliance nurtures vibrant culture-based projects and innovative opportunities to network, collaborate, and be inspired.
Where do you see creativity when you shop locally?
There are three Brazilian dress shops in Downtown Danbury whose storefront windows are always dressed to perfection. The displays rotate frequently and each new one is confection for the eyes: Moda Brazil by ElisAngela at 15 West Street; Majesty Bridal at 181 Main Street; and Irene Rocha Bridal & Tailor at 257 Main Street. Shopping at each place is a unique retail experience!
Why Creativity Matters is made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.
*Image courtesy Moda Brazil Facebook Page