History of Utica Monday Nite

Utica Monday Nite is about to begin its fourteenth season. Initiated in 1997, its mission is to promote a regional arts economy by making the arts and humanities available and accessible to all Utica residents and visitors from the wider region. Utica Monday Nite accomplishes these two goals by presenting a summer arts and humanities festival in downtown parks and public spaces on thirteen Monday nights from June through August. Events and activities are offered free to the public.

Founded by producer/director Lynne Mishalanie, Utica Monday Nite works in cooperation with the Downtown Utica Development Association (DUDA). From her initial idea in 1997, Ms. Mishalanie created the fledgling Utica Monday Nite and persuaded the economic development group that the key to revitalizing downtown Utica was to create an "arts economy" in order to attract and enhance tourism throughout the cultural corridor of the Mohawk Valley. Utica, the hub of this area, was the ideal place to host the festival. From its inception, the goal was to advance the arts as an integral part of the economic, political, educational and social fabric of the "cultural corridor" of the Mohawk Valley. Her vision was to make the arts and humanities available and accessible to all.. Bringing people downtown on Monday nights in the summer has increased business, as attested by newspaper reports. In interviews with restaurant owners in the area, it was recounted that there was a 50 -70% increase in business during the first season.

In its second season, Utica Monday Nite doubled its attendance-and the growth has not stopped!!! The Bridge Builders Coalition now has weekly discussions on increasing tolerance and understanding among the diverse populations of the city. Utica Monday Nite has provided opportunities for refugee and new immigrant artists to exhibit their works. And The Heritage Park celebrates that ethnic diversity that has makes up the fabric of this community.

Throughout the following seasons, the schedule expanded and new events have been added. In the 2000 season, "The Passport to the Arts" made its first appearance. This program was initiated to expose young people to the arts, cultural and historical opportunities in the area. Working with area schools and cultural organizations, the "Passport to the Arts" program gives students, who attend at least 6 events at Utica Monday Nite, an opportunity to attend other events in the Cultural Corridor throughout the year, free of charge.

The key to the success of this festival has been the cooperation of many arts organizations and businesses based in Utica. With Utica Monday Nite as the catalyst, many of our local organizations have remained open on Monday evenings, providing opportunities for those attending to experience the variety the arts community has to offer.

As we move into our fourteenth season, we look forward to continued success in bringing the arts and cultural community together with the community at large. We hope to See you there!