$9.1 Million Dollar Grant For Real Art Ways

Press release

HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin will join Real Art Ways Executive Director Will K. Wilkins, and Real Art Ways Board Chair Gregg Rohde on Wednesday, November 8 at 1:30 p.m. for a press conference to announce Real Art Ways' recent grant awarded from the State of Connecticut through their Community Investment Fund program. This is the largest grant the organization has received and is in direct support of Real Art Ways' $23-million dollar expansion project.
Real Art Ways, a contemporary arts organization with an innovative approach to supporting artists and community, is moving ahead rapidly with their building expansion project, supported by a $9.1 million grant recently approved by the State of Connecticut. After four years of planning and private fundraising, construction on the expansion is anticipated to begin in the Summer of 2024.

Real Art Ways' expansion plans include:
An additional three movie screens, bringing the organization's total to four. Real Art Ways shows independent and international films. The additional screens will provide more flexibility in film programming and more opportunities to program specifically for the many different communities that are in the region.

A new performance space dedicated to theatrical presentations, music, and and all forms of live performance art.

A new café for people to gather before, after, and during events. "People from around the region will be able to come and experience community all in one place," says Will K. Wilkins.
Educational spaces for classes and workshops. Real Art Ways offers year round educational opportunities. This will allow current programs, including Park Art, Film Field Trips, and Eye on Video to continue and expand, while also introducing new programs for youth and adults. Renovation of the gallery exhibition spaces. Real Art Ways will be renovating and improving the existing 5,000 sq. feet of exhibition spaces, including four existing galleries and a video room.
Governor Lamont, Speaker of the House Ritter, and Mayor Bronin will join Executive Director of Real Art Ways Will K. Wilkins and Real Art Ways Board Chair Gregg Rohde to talk more about the project, and the impact that the expansion will have on the community and the State of Connecticut.

From Mayor Bronin, "Real Art Ways has been, for so many years, a vital force in our community. It is a convener, it is a center for creativity, a center for community...it's one of the few places in the city where everybody feels at home. That is one of the things that is most beautiful about Real Art Ways and most important about its legacy over the years."