Best Moments of 2015

We can’t believe the year is almost over! Thanks to the thousands of donors who contributed generously to our United Arts Campaign this year, we can continue to support the local arts, cultural, and heritage organizations that make Greater Hartford an exciting place to live, work, and visit. Here’s a look back at our best moments of 2015.

Neighborhood Studios

Our summer apprenticeship program for teens kicked off its 17th year of training in film, photography, breakdancing, writing, and jazz. In preparation for 2016, we’re inviting local arts organizations to submit an application to become a studio partner and help cultivate the next generation of artists. The deadline is January 8.

Trailers from the apprentices of Real Art Ways

Neighborhood_Studio_Tour_399 — *Apprentices from Breakdancing Shakespeare*

Neighborhood_Studio_Tour_224 — *Apprentices from Mark Twain House & Museum*

Neighborhood_Studio_Tour_256 — *Apprentices from Artists Collective*

Neighborhood_Studio_Tour_438 — *Apprentices from the Amistad Center for Art & Culture*

Big Red for the Arts

We celebrated the 10th year anniversary of our annual fundraiser, Big Red for the Arts earlier this year and we’re gearing up for the next one in March. For the first time ever, the event will feature an arts showcase from our grantees, in addition to the traditional food and wine tastings Big Red is known for. Save the date for March 10.

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100 Pearl Street Gallery

One of the most important ways we support local artists is by displaying their works at 100 Pearl Street Gallery. Last summer we held an exhibit from the Veterans Art Foundation (photo below) featuring art that promotes healing. We have an exciting lineup of exhibits for 2016 under the theme, Remembering and Repurposing.

United Arts Campaign

Our annual United Arts Campaign brings art activities to the workplace so you can bond with coworkers, unleash your creativity, and, most importantly, reboot before going back to work. Your support for our United Arts Campaign is essential to the sustainability of our arts and cultural community. See which companies topped our list of campaign supporters and take a look at the art from various workplaces below.

Arts + Wellness Grant

Thanks to a generous donation from UnitedHealthcare, we were able to launch the Arts + Wellness grant program to improve health and wellness through the arts. This year, the grant supported programs that enrich the lives of veterans and their families. Recipients included Ballet Theater Company, Hospital for Special Care, the University of Saint Joseph’s Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities, and the Veteran’s Art Foundation.

PARK(ing) Day

Hartford celebrated its third annual PARK(ing) Day on September 18, drawing community members, artists, and local arts organizations together to transform metered parking spots into pop-up parks. There was public art, live improv by Sea Tea Improv, music, and screen printing.

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Grantee Highlights

Thanks to your continued support, we’ve helped foster and sustain over 120 arts and cultural organizations throughout Greater Hartford. Visit our Stories page to read our grantee success stories!

Support the arts! Every contribution goes a long way.