Real Art Ways | Hartford

Real Art Ways is a multidisciplinary arts organization and cultural hub located in Hartford, Connecticut, recognized as one of the longest continuously operating alternative art spaces in the United States. Since its founding in 1975, it has played a central role in nurturing experimental creativity, showcasing independent voices, and fostering community dialogue through the arts.

Origins and Mission

Real Art Ways was established by a group of local artists seeking to create a space outside of traditional galleries and theaters where avant-garde, underrepresented, and interdisciplinary art could thrive.

Its mission has always been to support innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity, giving a platform to artists whose work challenges conventions or expands cultural narratives.

From its early days in a loft space in Hartford, it has grown into a respected cultural institution while maintaining its independent, community-driven spirit.

Location and Facilities

Today, Real Art Ways is housed in a former bowling alley on Arbor Street in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, a historically industrial district that has become a hub for arts and culture.

The facility includes:

Galleries for contemporary visual art exhibitions.

A cinema specializing in independent, international, and documentary films rarely shown in mainstream theaters.

Flexible performance and event spaces for music, theater, spoken word, and dance.

Community areas that host lectures, discussions, and festivals.

Programs and Activities

Real Art Ways is known for its diverse and interdisciplinary programming, including:

Visual Arts: Exhibitions by regional, national, and international artists, often highlighting experimental practices, social issues, and emerging voices.

Cinema: A critically acclaimed art-house program screening independent films, foreign films, and documentaries, along with filmmaker Q&As and festivals.

Performance: Music (jazz, experimental, world), theater, spoken word, and multimedia events.

Community Engagement: Programs such as outdoor film series, youth art initiatives, and public art projects, ensuring accessibility for broader audiences.

Festivals and Series: Signature events like Creative Cocktail Hour, a monthly gathering that combines art, live music, and community networking.

Cultural and Community Role

Real Art Ways is not just an art space but a community gathering point, breaking down barriers between artists and audiences.

It emphasizes cultural equity and inclusivity, showcasing work by diverse voices across race, gender, and identity.

Through education and youth programs, it helps foster the next generation of artists and arts appreciators in Hartford.

Significance

Real Art Ways is widely respected for:

Its pioneering role in the American alternative art space movement.

Its ability to bridge local and global perspectives, bringing world-class creativity into a neighborhood setting.

Its contribution to revitalizing Hartford’s cultural landscape, particularly in the Parkville district.

Legacy and Contemporary Influence

Nearly fifty years after its founding, Real Art Ways continues to thrive as a dynamic cultural anchor, balancing the presentation of challenging and thought-provoking art with a welcoming, community-oriented spirit.

It embodies Hartford’s identity as a city that values innovation, dialogue, and inclusivity, ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of civic life.