Center for New Media and the Arts, Bethel, CT

As the Founder, Creative Director of the Center I took great pride in the work we did here. Our mission was to the bring the visual and performing arts, in literally all disciplines, back to the community. Unfortunately we opened in 2008, and did not make it through the storm.

The Center was a 2,500-square foot live performance loft space and art gallery located in an historic 1848 building with 15-foot ceilings and nineteen 9-foot windows.  Stephen conceived Center’s identity and wrote its mission statement. Produced and managed all events, including plays, dance performances, live music, comedy nights, poetry slams, film nights, arts workshops. Created the Joseph Farris Gallery, and prior to hiring a curator, curated exhibits.  Wrote all publicity and public relations materials.  Stephen was also the face of the Center, serving as its spokesperson in newspaper and radio interviews.  Worked closely with town and state officials to ensure Center’s compliance with codes and regulations.  As part of the Center’s commitment to community, produced benefits to aid charitable organizations, including the Gear-up Foundation (9/11 first responders fund) and the Wyatt Foundation (Becker Muscular Dystrophy fund).