About Us
Who we are
A nonprofit arts organization rooted in the Westville-West Rock neighborhood of New Haven, CT — committed to making art accessible for everyone.
Art for every person in our neighborhood
The primary mission of ArtEcon Initiative is to support, develop, and produce ongoing, accessible community arts programming for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in the Westville-West Rock neighborhood of New Haven, CT.
We believe that creative expression is a fundamental human need — and that access to the arts should never be limited by income, age, ability, or background. Our programs are designed to meet people where they are and welcome them in.
From youth workshops to adult studios, from community murals to public performances, ArtEcon Initiative is committed to making Westville-West Rock a place where art is woven into everyday life.
Art as a force for community and economy
Community Engagement & Social Cohesion
ArtEcon Initiative's programming builds community engagement and strengthens diversity and social cohesion by providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to connect within and across cultures.
Economic Stability & Neighborhood Vitality
Our work significantly contributes to the economic stability and vitality of our mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhood — demonstrating that accessible arts programming is not just a cultural good, but an economic one.
Rooted in ArLoW, grown for the whole neighborhood
March 2016
Founded
ArtEcon Initiative was established by a small group of neighborhood stakeholders as an outgrowth of ArLoW (ArtLoftsWest) — New Haven's only affordable artist housing development, located in the Westville neighborhood.
2016
Expanding ArLoW's Mission
The Initiative set out to expand ArLoW's reach by supporting ArLoW residents, tenants, and their neighbors to create programming that enriches the lives of all community members — bringing art and creative culture directly into the neighborhood.
December 2016
Signature Program Launches
ArtEcon's signature program — Westville-West Rock Community Arts Programming — launched with support from a Mayor's Neighborhood Cultural Vitality Grant and over 100 individual supporters from the community.
Our Values
Inclusive Access
We design every program to be accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds — removing barriers so everyone can participate.
Community First
Our work is shaped by the people of Westville-West Rock. We listen, collaborate, and respond to what our neighbors actually need.
Creative Expression
We believe in the transformative power of art — as a tool for healing, connection, identity, and joy — for every person in our community.
Rooted in Place
We are a neighborhood organization. Our deep ties to Westville-West Rock shape everything we do and who we serve.
Quality Programming
We hold ourselves to high standards — offering thoughtfully designed, professionally led arts experiences that respect every participant.
Ongoing & Sustained
We are committed to year-round, consistent programming — not one-off events — so community members can build skills and relationships over time.
Get involved with ArtEcon Initiative
Whether you want to participate in a program, volunteer your time, or support our work financially — there's a place for you here.