Remarks given by Anna Conlan, Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, SUNY New Paltz; at the Chronogram Foundation Launch Event on April 9, 2026.
As someone leading a cultural institution in the Hudson Valley, I just want to say how meaningful this moment feels. The launch of the Chronogram Foundation isn’t just about one organization—it’s about the health and future of the entire cultural ecosystem we’re all part of.
Five years ago at the Dorsky, we honored Amara and Jason at our gala for their extraordinary contributions to culture in this region. That recognition has only deepened since then.
The Dorsky has worked with Chronogram for years—we’ve advertised with you, partnered with you—and I’ve always seen Chronogram as so much more than a platform for ads or journalism. It’s a real driver of culture here. It shapes conversations, connects communities, and brings visibility to the creative life of the Hudson Valley in a way that no other platforms do.
I remember a number of years ago, before Upstate Art Weekend
became what it is today, you convened a large group of arts and culture leaders to talk about the future of our field in this region. That kind of leadership—bringing people together, asking big questions—that matters. And it’s no surprise to see you now helping to power something like Upstate Art Weekend.
From a very practical standpoint, I also know that when we place an ad in Chronogram, it reaches the audiences we serve. It’s one of the primary ways we connect with the public because we know those communities are actively engaging with what you produce, both in print and online.
So when Jason shared the idea for the Foundation—an effort to ensure that this work continues, evolves, and remains strong into the future—I was genuinely thrilled.
What I’ve always appreciated is that Chronogram operates with a kind of holistic vision. There’s a real understanding that culture doesn’t exist in isolation—that it’s part of a larger ecosystem. It’s about people, creativity, and community. It’s not just about metrics or monetization. And the health of our hudson valley ecosystem depends on having platforms like the Chronogram. Spaces to communicate, convene, promote happenings and have dialogue.
And that spirit shows up in partnerships, too. Next month, Tuesday May 19th–we’ll be at Chronogram’s headquarters in Kingston for a public program with artists from our exhibition Watts per lumen, in collaboration with Chronogram and another Kingston artist run organization Lightbrite Neon. For us, that’s a powerful way to extend the Museum beyond our campus and connect with broader audiences.
We’re certainly not the only organization that sees Chronogram as a true partner—but I’m very glad to be one of them.
So congratulations on this next chapter. A strong, sustainable future for Chronogram is a real investment in all of us—and in the cultural life of the Hudson Valley as a whole.
