Manchester, CT – A collaborative effort to expand arts access for local youth is underway in Manchester, Connecticut, spearheaded by the Manchester Youth Service Bureau and the Journey programme.The initiative aims to enrich the lives of young people through creative expression within the town’s growing Cultural Districts.
The program addresses a critical need for accessible arts education and engagement opportunities for Manchester’s youth. Heather Wlochowski, Director of the Manchester Youth service Bureau, and Peter “Poppy” Wlochowski, Program Coordinator for Journey Program, highlighted the importance of art in fostering positive progress and community connection. This comes as Connecticut continues to invest in its Cultural Districts-designated areas that leverage arts and culture for economic development and community revitalization-and underscores a commitment to ensuring these benefits reach all residents, particularly young people.
Launched this month, the partnership will provide a range of artistic experiences for Manchester youth. Details of specific programs were discussed in a segment broadcast by FOX61 on September 19,2025. The Youth Service Bureau and Journey Program are working to integrate art into existing youth programs and create new opportunities for artistic exploration.
Manchester’s designation as a CT Cultural District, awarded in 2023, has already begun to attract investment and attention to the town’s artistic assets. This new initiative builds on that momentum, focusing on cultivating the next generation of artists and art enthusiasts. The FOX61 report aired at 11:25 AM EDT.
