From left to right: Don Winter, Sherrie Romano, Nancy Monson, Kelly Keenan, Kim McNeill and Kristen Angell Iseppi (SACA photo)
The Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance (SACA) has officially been granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, marking a transformative milestone in the organization’s mission to celebrate and support arts and culture in Southbury and the surrounding region.
With this designation, SACA can now pursue grants, sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations—resources that will fuel expanded programming, community engagement initiatives, and long-term projects aimed at enriching the town’s cultural landscape.
For the greater Southbury area (which includes Bridgewater, Middlebury, Newtown, Oxford, Roxbury, and Woodbury), this means more art, more music, more public events, and the potential to turn visionary ideas into tangible assets for the town.
“This transition allows us to broaden our reach and improve our offerings,” said Kelly Keenan, President and founding member of the organization. “We’ve always known Southbury had a rich creative spirit, including the amazing talent within Heritage Village. Now, with this official status, we can finally grow into something that fully reflects the talent, passion and culture of this community.”
Originally formed in 2022 as a subcommittee of the Southbury Economic Development Commission, SACA has been active both behind the scenes and in the spotlight. They have aided in organizing events, promoting local artists, and advocating for the value of the arts and culture. Now that its nonprofit designation is finalized, SACA has the independence and infrastructure to launch larger initiatives, foster regional collaborations, and invest in projects that enhance quality of life.
“Our goal isn’t just to support the arts — it’s to make Southbury a true cultural hub for western Connecticut,” Keenan continued. “That means inclusive programming, more opportunities for youth and emerging artists, and ultimately, we hope, the creation of a dedicated ‘arts and culture center’ — a place where creativity can thrive year-round.”
SACA’s newly adopted bylaws reflect this ambitious vision, with a dedicated Board of Directors overseeing initiatives in fundraising, community outreach, volunteer coordination, and public programming.
The organization also introduced its “Friends of SACA” program, encouraging residents to get involved through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.
With new funding opportunities now available, the Alliance is already planning an expanded calendar of events for 2026 and beyond.
“This is just the beginning,” Keenan emphasized. “We want to bring Southbury’s creativity to every corner of our town — in galleries, parks, classrooms, and public spaces. With community support, there’s truly no limit to what we can accomplish.”
For more information on SACA, upcoming events, or how to become a Friend of SACA, visit www.southburyartsandculturealliance.org or email info@southburyartsandculturealliance.org
The Southbury Record 