Real Art Ways Launches Construction; Announces Challenge Fund
HARTFORD, CT. – Real Art Ways, the nationally-known Hartford-based arts center, will begin construction this week on a major transformation and is entering the final phase of a capital campaign. Real Art Ways was founded in 1975 and has been in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood since 1989. The new Real Art Ways will feature people coming and going to 4 cinemas, a performing arts space, and several galleries, with new art and educational spaces, and crowds gathering in a vibrant café - all in a reconfigured and expanded building that once housed the Underwood Typewriter Company. Physical work, which will take one year, will be completed in the spring of 2027, followed by a grand re-opening and celebration of Real Art Ways' 50-year history.
Imagine walking into Real Art Ways to catch a film, experience a concert or performance, check out the art galleries, and stop in at the cafe for food, drink, and conversation. In this new version of Real Art Ways, patrons will meet and mingle, encountering people with a range of interests and backgrounds. On any given day (or night), there will be movies, concerts, exhibitions, and conversations happening, with people at the center of the activity. The new Real Art Ways will be more than a movie theater; it will be a place for community and connection.
The entire project, which includes the purchase of 56 Arbor Street and the renovation and expansion, comes with a $24 million price tag.
The new space will include:
Four movie screens
A new performance space
Educational spaces for classes and workshops
Renovation of existing galleries
A full-service Cafe, which will become a vibrant gathering spot for people from varied walks of life to come together before, during, and after events.
"The impact of COVID showed us something,” says Real Art Ways' Executive Director Will K. Wilkins. “Life is better lived in person!”
CHALLENGE
Six people have created a $555,000 matching fund to encourage new gifts to Come Together, Imagine More, Real Art Ways’ capital campaign. Every gift to the campaign before Thursday, April 30, will be matched, dollar for dollar.
To learn more about the expansion, go to realartways.org/expansion.
To join the challenge, donors can use this secure giving form.
Media should send inquiries to Winnie Wong at wwong@realartways.org