Middletown 250th Anniversary Grant Follow-up Interviews - April 17, 2026

On April 17, 2026, the City of Middletown's Arts and Culture Coordinator, Keisha Michael, conducted follow-up interviews on behalf of the commission with four applicants for the 250th Anniversary Semiquincentennial Grant Program. Each applicant described their project and elaborated on how it connects to the 250th theme and engages the community.

Discussion Items

• Mosaic Quilt Project (Applicant 1): Applicant described a collaborative mosaic quilt made of 250 squares, each representing a community voice (youth, seniors, businesses, artists). The squares are approximately 5x5 inches. The project aims to give voice to the 250 years by gathering 250 different voices. The applicant expressed a desire to display the quilt at City Hall but has no prior connection there. Keisha offered City Hall as a public space and suggested working toward that goal. The applicant had not yet secured a permanent exhibition site.

• River Printmaking Workshop (Applicant 2): Applicant is a printmaker and illustrator who proposed a one-day printmaking workshop along the Connecticut River at the Midtown Park Trail (reclaimed land). The workshop would engage participants in creating prints exploring the ecological history and resilience of the Connecticut River watershed. The applicant connected the project to the 250th by highlighting environmental history and the Clean Water Act (1974). Collaborations include Wesleyan's CFA, the Bailey College of Environment, the Jonah Center, and the Rockfall Foundation. The intended date was around May 15, but Keisha stressed there is no rush—programming can occur any time through the end of the year. The applicant plans to also work with Middletown High School students before the end of the school year, then continue in summer.

• Community Literary Project (Applicant 3): Applicant, a Puerto Rican author and former fifth-grade teacher, proposed a community literary project with short stories, readings, workshops, and a public showcase. Stories would be 250 words each, linked to the 250th anniversary. The applicant plans to explore the past, present, and future of Middletown. Initially, the project was tied to a book titled "My Teeth Hurt When I Pee Stories," but the applicant noted the stories are 500 words each and could be adapted to 250 words. Venue ideas include the Russell Library, the Community Center, or Wesleyan University. Keisha noted that city properties (municipal building, council chambers, outdoor spaces) are available, but she cannot speak for Wesleyan. Marketing will rely on municipal listservs and cross-pollination with local organizations; a press release can be sent to reporter Cassandra Day of the Middletown Press.

• Jazz Performance (Applicant 4): Applicant (with wife Maria) proposed a one-time jazz performance with five musicians (piano, saxophone, trumpet, drums, bass) to explore the history of American jazz over the last 100 years. The event would be accessible to all ages and tied to the 250th via jazz as a key American export. A venue outside Middlesex Music (e.g., Buttonwood) was requested, but no specific commitment was made. Keisha noted that if resources permit, that could be considered. The proposed date is October, which is fine as events can be spread throughout the year.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or funding decisions were made during the interviews. Keisha indicated that the commission will review the applications and award grants.
• All applicants were informed that programming can take place any time through the end of 2026, and there is no need to rush.
• Keisha offered City Hall as a potential exhibition space to the first applicant.
• Marketing support will be provided through municipal listservs and press releases, but the city does not have a single centralized marketing campaign.
• Applicants were encouraged to take their time and produce high-quality work rather than rushing.
• The commission will follow up with all applicants regarding the status of their grant applications.