About the Islip Arts Council
A Commitment to Excellence
The Islip Arts Council provides diverse audiences with activities which encompass both Presentation and Service to the Arts field. Its presentations cover a variety of disciplines ranging from fine classical music to Master Classes with renowned musicians. Furthermore, the Arts Council's quarterly Newsletter/Calendar, the Artspages, publicizes the activities of Arts Organizations around the Island. In 1986, the Long Island Tourism & Convention Commission presented the Islip Arts Council with the LILY Award (Long Island Loves You) in recognition of its leadership role in the cultural development of Long Island. The Commission cited the outstanding programs that the Islip Arts Council has brought to the community as being "most beneficial to the quality of life of all the residents in the Town of Islip and surrounding communities." The Suffolk County Arts Organization Award in 1989 was additional recognition of the Arts Council's achievement. Executive Director Lillian Barbash was declared Suffolk County's Woman of the Year in 1996 and New York State's Woman of Distinction in 1999 for her steadfast dedication and accomplishments in promoting the arts on Long Island.
History of the Islip Arts Council
The Islip Arts Council was created in 1974 by a resolution passed by the Islip Town Board. At that time, the purpose of the council was to act as an advisory body to the Town Board on cultural matters. All the members of the Arts Council were appointed by the Town, and all-including the chairman-were volunteers. The total budget each year was $5,000. And most of the funds were unspent. In 1976, Lillian Barbash was named chairperson, and the Islip Arts Council was incorporated as not-for-profit Arts Council. The incorporation status made it possible for the Arts Council to apply to Suffolk County, New York State Council on the Arts, National Endowments for the Arts, foundations, and the private sector for funding. These additional funds enabled the Arts Council to expand an existing series of free concerts to create new cultural programs to serve the Island. Since then, the Council's operating budget has grown from $5,000 to more than $200,000 and is still growing. Although the Council now is an entity separate from the Town of Islip, the Town is still a contributor, providing office space, telephone service, mailing privileges and office supplies.
Board of Directors
Founding Director: Lillian Barbash
President: Nick Wartella
Vice-President: Ellen Jones
Secretary: John White
Treasurer:
Phyllis Abramson
Mary Lou Cohalan
Carolyn Dahab
Norma Downey
Andrew Falino
David A. Gabay, Esq.
Viviana Garamy
Arthur Goodman
Judith Kertzner
Don Lang
Amy McGrath
Gerard McLeod
Barbara Paul
JoLee Thayer
Staff:
Lynda A. Moran, Executive Director
Amy Tuttle Donaghy, Artistic Director
Cathy Dale, Administrative Assistant
What's New with the Islip Arts Council
The Islip Arts Council will continuously be adding associate members to our affiliate link section on the Friends & Affiliates page to show our support to these companies for their help and donations.
The Islip Arts Council is currently working on a survey to help define the artistic and cultural needs of the community.
The Islip Arts Council is currently working with the Great South Bay YMCA to program events at the Boulton Center for the Performing Arts.