Business & Tech

A Common Ground: Artistic Expression For All in Downtown Danbury

Danbury native opens an inclusive educational arts center in the heart of downtown.

Business: A Common Ground
Owner: Jill Hancock
Website: www.acommonground.net
Address: 33 Crosby Street, Danbury

How did you come up with the name?
A Common Ground represents where all genres of art come together in one place in a non-competitive and supported environment.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
As a Danbury native I am committed to building community and have always wanted to see downtown Danbury thrive.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Educational Arts Center

What's the most difficult moment or challenge you've faced as a business owner?
Since having to move from a previous space because of new owners of the building, I had to find a new space downtown. I do love the new space but paying the high rent prices and taxes of Danbury is very, very difficult.

What's been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Every day I open my space to the community and see the students and their families interacting, learning sand creating is a favorite moment!

What's the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
I have recently started a new mentoring arts program that will run out of A Common Ground called Danbury Arts In Action.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
I enjoy people and respect them as individuals. I don't find them to be difficult.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
A Common Ground students perform for area assisted living, nursing homes and hospitals. With the Danbury Arts In Action program ACG holds free community classes to children age 7 and up that would not necessarily be able to participate otherwise.

This article is part of Patch's series highlighting local businesses in our community. Learn more about the series, and if you're a small business, fill out the form to be included, by checking out this link.


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