Arts & Culture
Diversity and inclusion in the arts and culture ecosystem—reflected in artists, audiences, arts leaders, and programming—can be a catalyst to bridge differences. A robust arts and culture sector is also an economic driver for a region. We focus on supporting arts and culture organizations that contribute to a more diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem.
We provide both dollars and capacity building opportunities to arts and culture nonprofits representing the range of creative work and perspectives. Our resources also support individual creatives in their art and business and increase access to arts and culture for Greater Hartford residents.
The outcome we seek is:
Increased equity and inclusion in the arts and culture sector
What we support
Here are some examples of our Arts & Cultures work:
$4 million invested across 50 arts organizations
In September, we announced unrestricted grants to 50 organizations across 13 towns in Greater Hartford, totaling $4M.
The Greater Hartford Artist Development Program
In partnership with the nonprofit Assets 4 Artists, we have launched a comprehensive capacity building and grant program that empowers artists with financial literacy, business development, coaching, peer networking, and project funding to ensure long-term career sustainability.
Artists of Color Accelerate fellowship
A fellowship program, created on the recommendation of the Foundation’s advisory group, Artists of Color Unite!, creates and expands opportunities for artists of color by connecting them with arts organization host sites where they can showcase their talents. This program, managed by 224 EcoSpace, also helps the host sites diversify their artist networks.
Why did we choose this outcome?
Our outcome areas are interconnected, data-driven, and community-informed.
We chose these outcomes and developed our grantmaking strategies after listening to community partners and reviewing available data about our residents’ most pressing needs. Art has the power to shape perspectives, so by ensuring our cultural ecosystem is representative of the diversity in our region, we can spark meaningful conversations that lead to lasting change.
Read the data on Arts and Culture:
More priority outcomes
Greater Hartford Gives has an internal team of experienced, knowledgeable professionals dedicated to each of our five outcome areas. These teams work closely with our community partners to stay informed about community needs and best practices. We believe that success in these outcome areas will lead to a more equitable and prosperous Greater Hartford.
Employment Opportunities
Black and Latine residents face disproportionate barriers to education and employment opportunities. These barriers start in early childhood and persist through their education journey and the workplace. When all community members have equitable opportunity to reach their education and career goals, the entire region is strengthened.
Basic Human Needs
Inequitable systems and practices have failed to meet the most basic of human needs critical for individual well-being—food, housing, and health care. When these needs are met, people in our region can flourish.
Thriving Neighborhoods
Achieving equity requires strengthening neighborhoods so that opportunities for social connections and economic mobility reaches all individuals and families. This means working to increase the number of residents living in quality, affordable housing, and in the growth of prosperous, resident-owned small businesses across the region.
Civic and Resident Engagement
When residents are civically engaged, they can share their voices to make positive changes in their communities, ensuring policies are responsive to and reflective of the entire community.
Learn more about our Strategic Priorities to dismantle structural racism and advance opportunity in Greater Hartford.
Support this work
Donors:
Help us foster a more diverse and inclusive arts and culture ecosystem.
Learn how you can support our strategic priorities.
Nonprofits:
Does your mission or project work align with our Arts and Culture outcome?
Learn how to best position your organization for our grant opportunities.