by Agata Gozdziewska
Being the THS student does not mean being a regular desk-and-computer kind of student. The classes that are offered by the department are much interconnected, and what we learn in one class is often helpful in another. The theory “learn-pass-forget” does not apply in Tourism and Hospitality Studies. In addition to the textbook theories, the faculty makes sure that we are aware of the current issues, especially on a local scale. The class trips, assignments, and projects often give us hands-on experiences.
During ongoing semester, I was engaged in one class assignment and one class project, both involving the New Britain Museum of American Art (CCSU is also located in New Britain). This museum is a 106-year-old establishment (founded by private citizens in 1903), but it is definitely not stuck in the past. Dedication to strictly American art makes it the only museum like that in the United States. The 12 exhibitions include over 5000 works dated from mid-1700 to present.Living in New Britain, I really think that the museum is a great asset for the area. It is just not visible enough to remind about its existence to not typical art lovers. As the member of the local community, I should pay more attention to the local events and take more trips to museum, but somehow, I never remember to check what is going on at the museum whenever I am looking for the entertainment.
The perfect solution for the museum would be to be a part of the area where people can walk from one place to the other, relax and enjoy the art, without the need to use the car or other form of transportation. The museum is trying to reach to other artistic communities. There is a big potential in the artist cooperative project in downtown New Britain. The idea of this arrangement is to have one building, where some of the local artists can live, work and show their art. The city sees opportunities of bringing more visitors and therefore attracting more businesses that would add to the artsy feel and reshape the image of the area.
There are definitely opportunities in New Britain, and thankfully more and more people are starting to see them. The good thing is that there is a plan, direction, which is the idea of the city becoming a little art mecca, and there are already steps being taken to realize this initiative.
As for now, the museum recognizes the visibility problem and is trying to increase its importance in the eyes of the local community. To become more appealing and interesting, especially to the younger generation, the Museum came up with the event called Museum After Dark (M.A.D.). This night event involving art, music, snacks, and open bar, is a great approach to reaching out to this generation.
The last M.A.D. was a Halloween-themed party on October 30th. A couple of my classmates and I were involved in the class project that was also in attendance. We were surveying and interviewing on camera some of the event’s attendees. The purpose of our research was to back up the idea of the night parties at the museum as the great way to attract a younger crowd. The party was a lot of fun for everybody, including the museum staff. My friends and I are all hoping that the MAD events will become more regular in the NBMAA’s calendar.
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