In 2021, Real Art Ways purchased the Underwood typewriter building that has been our home for more than thirty years.
The expansion will revitalize this historic building which is also home to artists, designers, photographers, dance studios, non-profit organizations, and many other creative businesses.
Artists: Founded by and for artists, Real Art Ways has always been about people connecting through art and ideas. This project ensures a future focused on artists, neighbors, youth, and community.
Economic sustainability: The expansion will broaden the base of Real Art Ways’ earned income through the cinema, expanded programming, and a new cafe. Owning the building also provides secure rental income through consistent tenancy with a steady occupancy rate of 97 percent.
Neighborhood and Region: Real Art Ways will make a deeper commitment to our community as we offer more youth programs, bring more visitors to Hartford, create more jobs, and enhance the vibrancy of the region.
Join us in the exciting journey ahead – discover the features of our space, track our progress, and learn how you can be part of the campaign.
the vision from our view
CHALLENGE
Six generous people have created a $555,000 matching fund to encourage new gifts to our capital campaign.
When you contribute from now through Thursday, April 30, your gift will be doubled through this dollar-for-dollar match. Help put us over the top!
FEATURES
See what’s in store for you in the expansion.
IMAGINE MORE
Our expansion will include:
- Three New Cinemas– growing from Real Art Ways’ successful single screen, we will add three cinemas of varying sizes, with a dynamic schedule of new films, conversations, expanded education offerings, and specialty programming
- Live Arts Space– a flexible theatrical space, used to present innovative theater, performance art events, music, and literary arts
- Cafe– encouraging visitors from various backgrounds to gather and interact with each other around good food
- Galleries– all five galleries will be reimagined and redesigned
- Learning and Engagement Spaces– workshop space will connect people, young and old, with creativity and each other
- Outdoor Performance, Event, and Garden Space
- Capital Improvements to 56 Arbor Street building
Real Art Ways’ purchase and expansion project has a goal of long-term sustainability, guided by diversification of income, economies of scale, and conservative business practices.
Floorplan Image
CAMPAIGN
You’ve brought us this far. Learn about ways to Come Together and Imagine More.
Come Together
Real Art Ways has received generous support from the State of Connecticut, the Federal government, corporations, foundations, and dozens of individuals.
Since its inception, Real Art Ways has been about people – the artists we nurture, the community we serve, the neighbors we live with, and the patrons who engage in conversations, share laughs, and exchange ideas.
Real Art Ways is here for you, and at this time, we hope we can count on you to be here for us.
Campaign Progress
MAKE A CAMPAIGN GIFT
Thank you for your interest in supporting Come Together, Imagine More: A Campaign for Real Art Ways.
You can provide the energy and resources to strengthen our place in the community by making a gift to the capital campaign.
Visit our secure portal today to make your gift.
As you consider the Campaign gift that is right for you, please note the membership and unrestricted donationsthat support operations and programming are Real Art Ways’ greatest needs.
Gifts to the Campaign should be considered in addition to maintaining your current membership and support of Real Art Ways.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Take a Seat
Leave your mark on the movie-going experience by donating a seat in one of the four theaters.
Visit our secure portal to make a donation to inscribe a cinema seat.
Naming Opportunities Today
See the spaces that can be named with a major gift to the capital campaign.
CONTACT US
For questions or information regarding making a pledge, scheduling a visit or tour, or requesting additional information, please contact Eric Ort, Campaign Director.
Call (860) 232-1006 x114.
