Bob Parker Community in the Arts Fund

“I invite you for a moment to think about a teacher who made you feel seen, challenged, or inspired; someone who helped you see the world differently or helped you see yourself more clearly; maybe someone who believed in you before you believed in yourself.”

For thousands of students and artists in New Haven’s Audubon Arts District, and beyond, Bob Parker was that teacher.

The prompt was issued by Ingrid Schaeffer, a former student of Parker’s who became his colleague at ACES Educational Center for the Arts (ECA), where Parker began as teacher and led as principal for over two decades.

On Feb. 5, 2026, Parker’s former students of all ages, colleagues and loved ones gathered in ECA’s auditorium to announce the Bob Parker Community in the Arts Fund. The fund is a tribute to Parker, who died in November 2024, and his legacy of leadership, community-building and self-discovery through the arts.

“His legacy is one of care, courage and belief in what education can truly do,” said Nazorine Paglia, another former student turned colleague of Parker’s. “I am who I am today because Bob chose to invest in me when it mattered most.”

“The creation of the Bob Parker Fund is a profound gift to ECA, and one that honors Bob's life, his love for the arts and his deep belief in community,” said ECA Principal Stefanie Savo. “This fund supports artists and arts organizations in New Haven, helping to strengthen creative spaces and build meaningful connections. Most importantly, it ensures that Bob's legacy continues by uplifting the arts and the people who make them thrive."

The fund was established by his husband, David Carter, and their children Geoff Parker and Melora Simon. The Arts Council will distribute the awards.

Geoff Parker said he hopes the fund will grow communities that nurture artists, as well as the “give and take” that requires. This was one lesson he realized his father had taught, and modeled, all along.

“Sometimes somebody’s going to be in the spotlight and we have to make space, and grow in that awareness and appreciation of how we give and take. But then, you move into the spotlight when it’s your turn. Feel confident. Reach for the high notes, knowing the chorus will have your back too. That's what my family hopes this fund and what you all will do together: keep making art that's the fullness of us, of giving and taking. It's ‘trading fours’ in jazz. It's ‘yes and’-ing in theater. It's listening to each other. Because all arts [are] actually community-making, you and your audience; and community-making is an art in and of itself. And my dad was really good at it.”