After five years of transformative vision, Robert Kwalick is retiring from his post as Executive Director of the Bantam Cinema & Arts Center and concluding his tenure as Co-Chair of the Litchfield Arts Council.
Robert leaves both organizations structurally sound, vibrant, and well positioned for their next chapters—though his next chapter hasn’t yet been revealed.
Robert joined the Bantam Cinema & Arts Center in August 2021, a critical moment when independent theaters nationwide were facing unprecedented challenges.
A Legacy of Revival and Connection
While a group of local film enthusiasts had stepped up to buy the historic Bantam Cinema and incorporate it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit earlier in 2021, the theater itself was still completely dark, mid-renovation, and non-operational when Robert was brought on as Executive Director that August.
When he arrived, the building was physically closed to the public and undergoing safety inspections. Robert was tasked with building the new nonprofit’s identity from scratch.
The public reopening took place two months later in October 2021, launching with a classic screening of The Graduate—and then, under Robert’s guidance, Connecticut’s oldest continuously operating movie house evolved into a multi-disciplinary arts hub.
From launching the popular Storyteller Series to creating the “Rock Doc Block”—which brought unforgettable, one-of-a-kind screenings of rock documentaries and concert films to local music lovers—Robert expanded the definition of what a historic cinema could mean to its community as he also brought in many filmmakers and notable guests to present their work and speak to audiences. He leaves the cinema as a financially healthy, bustling cultural landmark.
Simultaneously, Robert brought that same energy to the Litchfield Arts Council when he stepped up as Co-Chair in January 2024.
Perhaps his most enduring collaborative legacy is his instrumental work on the committee that secured the state designation for the Bantam River Cultural District.
While the official signs and local business brochures are the visible markers of this achievement, the designation celebrates Bantam as a recognized haven for historic preservation, commerce, and artistic expression—a foundation that will benefit local creators for years to come.
On a crowning personal note, Robert recently shared his talents as the narrator for A Goodnight Kiss, a deeply moving historical drama by local playwright Cinzi Lavin based on a cache of Civil War love letters discovered in a Goshen attic. This past April, Robert and the cast made history by performing the play by invitation at the Connecticut State Capitol in Hartford—marking the first time a live theatrical production has ever been staged under the gold dome.
Robert came to his roles in Litchfield County and beyond in Connecticut with a powerhouse theatrical pedigree.
Holding an M.F.A. in Acting from Northern Illinois University, his 50-year career includes regional acting roles as varied as Father Flynn in Doubt and Robert in BOEING-BOEING, as well as tenures as the Arts Department Chair at Forman School in Litchfield for five years and faculty positions at prestigious institutions like The Lawrenceville School.
Smooth Transitions and Next Steps
The search for the cinema’s next leader is already well underway. The Bantam Cinema & Arts Center Board of Directors is actively reviewing resumes and conducting preliminary interviews to ensure a seamless leadership transition.
Robert’s final official full day will be Friday, July 10th. However, he isn’t going far. In the interim, Operations Manager Danielle Guillet will maintain daily management of the theater with Robert on speed dial, and he has generously offered his remote support until a new Executive Director is fully onboarded.
The Arts Council Looks Forward
With Robert’s departure from his leadership role on the Litchfield Arts Council, current Co-Chair Kerry Burns will officially assume the role of Chair. Under Kerry’s leadership, the Council will continue its mission to advocate for, promote, and connect local artists and cultural organizations.
As for Robert? While he hasn’t yet revealed upcoming projects, he promises that exciting things are on the horizon.
To stay updated on upcoming Arts Council initiatives or to learn more about the search for the Bantam Cinema’s next Executive Director, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media. For questions or comments, reach the Arts Council by email at litchfieldctartscouncil@gmail.com.
From left, Christopher Antonucci (Box Office Assistant), Kristina Deyo (Former Operations Manager), Christopher Shaw Myers, nephew of actor Robert Shaw, with his book about his uncle, and Robert Kwalick at the Bantam Cinema & Arts Center’s 50th anniversary screening of JAWS.