The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Arts is a volunteer organization working to support the regeneration of living history in Woodstock. Being that Woodstock is a unique little town, and the Chamber of Commerce & Arts recognizes that its role in supporting the invigoration of the economy must include a regenerative wholistic approach—valuing the richness of who we are as a community of artists, craftspeople, healers, musicians, writers and young leaders.
We look forward to your visit to Woodstock!
Let us know if you would like to become a member!
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT MAKES WOODSTOCK WOODSTOCK…
VISUAL ART
Since long before contact, through the Hudson Valley School and on, the Light in the Catskills continues to inspire creative expression…
ART SCHOOLS AND RESIDENCIES
Woodstock became an Arts Colony with the founding of Byrdcliffe, which hosts local and visiting artists, and Maverick Concerts, which offer more than just Chamber music today. The Woodstock School of Art provides year-round classes on its historical campus, enriching the community’s artistic traditions.
FAITH AND SPIRITUAL CENTERS
One of the unique aspects of Woodstock culture is the rich and diverse spiritual community. You can find everything from the local church to an array of spiritual centers across the region.
HEALING ARTS
For decades, the Woodstock population has nurtured a culture that welcomes many visitors on spiritual explorations and healing journeys as a gateway to the spirit of the region.
Woodstock, NY is known for the festival that didn’t happen here and the music that does. From early chamber music at the Maverick Concert Hall to venues like Joyous Lake, Tinker Street Cafe, and Bearsville Studio—we are renowned for the music made here, which has never stopped.
LEGACY BUSINESSES
Legacy Businesses are the face and representation of local commerce. Businesses (for simple example) such as H. Houst & Son, Woodstock Building Supply, and others, continue to support the town in ways many visitors don’t see, We are working to honor the businesses who have stayed with us through decades of change. To the businesses who see others come and go… We see you!
MUSIC
MUSIC VENUES: While live music venues took extremly hard hits, during and since the pandemic, Woodstock and the surrounding area boasts some of the region’s most unique music venues, hosting local and world renowned acts.
MUSICIANS, TECHNICIANS AND PRODUCERS: As a musical destination point, the music that comes out of Woodstock can only happen with the community who creates it. As our membership grows, you will find even more community-centric local musicians, bands, engineers and those who keep Woodstock Rockin’.
RECORDING STUDIOS: Albert Grossman founded Bearsville Studios in the 60’s, where many notable albums recorded into the 90’s. While the studio no longer operates, Woodstock continues to boast a number of studios offering services from simple recording support to state of the art production.
NONPROFIT AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS: Care for the lands and community are at the baseline of our region’s resilience. We aim to support the work of our “Pollinators” and those caring for our lands and those cared for by the land.
OUR MISSION:
The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Arts advocates for the vibrancy of arts, music, and cultural communities within of Woodstock, NY, recognizing the pivotal role of creatives as primary drivers of commerce in our region.
VISION
Embracing Woodstock’s long esteemed history as an internationally renowned Music & Arts Colony, the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce & Arts envisions a future where our community continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and innovation, welcoming visitors and new neighbors to the Catskills.
- Facilitating and nurturing relationships between our community, businesses, and visitors we aim to nurture a thriving ecosystem for residents and visitors alike.
- Advance arts projects to strengthen health and well-being of individuals and communities.
- Create avenues for our members to become more civically engaged.
- Support collaborations between artists, culture bearers, and the community to enhance public spaces (murals, gardens, sculptures, and presentations).
CORE VALUES
The strength of our community lies in recognizing the interdependent relationship between the land, the wildlife, people and projects that embody the regeneration of Arts in Commerce.
Inclusive Relationships:
- We embrace the uniqueness of all beings and are dedicated to nurturing an environment where individuals of all ability, ages, backgrounds, cultures, perspectives feel invited, represented and valued.
- We strive to expand opportunities for participation and creative engagement, ensuring that the benefits of our volunteer advocacy efforts are accessible to all members of our community.
Community Empowerment:
- As many of the small towns across America face the challenges of changing times, Woodstock, is no different. In a primarily tourist driven economy we are committed to evolution in ways that include the local community in economic development goals.
- We are committed to empowering our artistic community by advocating for policies and projects that prioritize their welfare and prosperity.
- We recognize the importance of advancing the efforts of emerging leaders, creatives and artists, for the continued regeneration of our community.
Sustainability & Regeneration:
- We encourage the care and protection of the biodiversity within our natural ecosystems.
- In our dedication to community resilience, we embrace whole systems thinking to explore and develop sustainable solutions that preserve and enhance the vitality of our town and thereby the region.
Reciprocity & Collaboration:
- We believe in the inherent value of energetic, physical and social, as well as financial, effort when building collective equity.
- We partner with business members who honor the artistic community, are civically engaged and recognize the value of community service.
- We recognize that cultivating mutually beneficial relationships promotes growth and prosperity for all.
Our Board and volunteers bring diverse perspectives, with the knowledge and expertise to encourage practices which advance Woodstock as a thriving destination for citizens, visitors and businesses alike.
