Where the World of Art is Making a Difference for Greater Hartford
The Artists Collective was founded in 1970 by world renowned alto-saxophonist, composer, educator Jackie McLean as an interdisciplinary arts and cultural institution.
It is the only multi-arts organization of its kind emphasizing the cultural and artistic contributions of the African Diaspora. Programs expose students and the community to great and often overlooked artists of the past and present; offering the highest quality training in dance, theater, music and visual arts.
Harvard University Project Co-Arts Report: "A Safe Haven"The mission of the Artists Collective
Is to preserve and perpetuate the arts and culture of the African Diaspora by providing training in the performing and visual arts and by sponsoring special events. It is also the mission of the Collective to develop professional artists, to foster positive feelings of self-identity among peoples of the African Diaspora, and to raise public consciousness about the value of this culture.
What Our Students Say
“Marvelous. Awesome. Real. Quirky. Unique. Exciting. Smart. At age 7, I started at the Artists Collective. First type of dance was African. African helps me use my muscles. Tapping shows you to use your feet to make beats. I’ve learned a lot... Send your child to the Artists Collective!”
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