2024 marks the 16th year of the Bridgeport Art Trail, a city-wide arts celebration taking place annually in November, attracting 5000 attendees from the CT-NY region to tour art venues throughout Bridgeport. The BAT was initiated and produced annually by the nonprofit City Lights & Company as the lead organization working in collaboration with Bridgeport’s creative community. Most events are free and open to the public. The BAT weekend, year-round programs and BAT network of 200 artists are designed to bring people of diverse backgrounds together for a cultural exchange, provide free arts accessibility (including free programs for youth), offer a platform for artists, and showcase diverse representation and a full spectrum of artistic expression and ability. Program content is often relevant and thought provoking or may offer a cathartic and restorative artistic respite.  BAT programs offer opportunities to artists in the form of professional compensation, promotion, networking and professional development. During the past 2 years CL/BAT facilitated $150,000 annually to artists and creatives through sales, work, outreach programs, murals and referrals.