Charter Oak Cultural Center
Charter Oak Cultural Center is a vibrant multi-cultural arts center committed to doing the work of social justice through the arts. Here’s how:
Our Youth Arts Institute offers audition and tuition-free classes in the arts to Hartford youth ages six through eighteen.
Our Beat of the Street programming provides educational and employment opportunities to the homeless community.
Our professional multicultural performances and exhibits provide access to the arts for everyone because no one is ever turned away due to lack of funds.
We are stewards of the historic building we call home, the first synagogue build in Connecticut, and are dedicated to preserving the building and its inspiring legacy.
Upcoming Events
Hartford Jewish Playwriting Contest 2021!
Hartford Jewish Playwriting Contest 2021!
Youth Arts News
Youth Arts Events
Good Vibrations participants Hartford Police Officer Hiram Otero and student Kayke Lopes were honored as part of the White House’s “Champions of Change” program for their work in building trust and improving public safety in communities. “Good Vibrations” pairs Hartford youth with Hartford officers for a 12-week music program in either rap/poetry or guitar.
A former synagogue located in a Hispanic neighborhood, hosting an African-American event that is attended by people of all ethnicities – how cool is that?
Charter Oak Cultural Center lives in Connecticut’s oldest synagogue building. The building was home to Congregation Beth Israel as well as several other religious institutions over the years, until it was abandoned in the 1970s.
The innovative programming at Charter Oak Cultural Center is sustained by a diverse community of dedicated supporters. Consider joining the Charter Oak community today.
Latest News
YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE
YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE By Rabbi Donna Berman In Hebrew, there are three words--nefesh, neshama and ruach—that, with slight nuances, all mean “soul” or “spirit.” What’s interesting is that all three words also mean “breath.” What is the...
Read The Hartford Courant story on UNCAGED ART
The Hartford Courant arts reporter Susan Dunne recently spoke with Dr. Yolanda Leyva of the University of Texas El Paso's Museo Urbano exhibit, UNCAGED ART: TORNILLO CHILDREN'S DETENTION CENTER. See the preview of the exhibit by clicking HERE.
REPARATIONS: THE HOLY WORK OF REPAIR
REPARATIONS: THE HOLY WORK OF REPAIR by Rabbi Donna Berman When I was 11 years old, our 6th grade class went on a field trip to Manhattan. I have lots of memories from that outing. It was a lovely spring day, one of those days when the trees...
Charter Oak Receives $5,918 Grant from Connecticut Natural Gas
Charter Oak Cultural Center is delighted to announce that it is the recipient of a $5,918 grant Connecticut Natural under Connecticut’s Neighborhood Assistance Act tax credit program. The funding will allow for mechanical systems upgrades resulting in increased energy...
“From Charter Oak With Love 2” is available for streaming!
Enjoy the show by clicking the video below! https://vimeo.com/482358909/243df31073
Our 2020 Kristallnacht Commemoration
If you weren't able to join us for our Virtual Kristallnacht Commemoration, we are pleased to make this video available here. Special thanks to the contributors who have made this program so moving and to Eric Budney for his video expertise....
Our Rose Window Has Returned!
stained glassmy mind wanderingback to my prayer- Bill Kenney Thanks to the generosity of the Charter Oak Cultural Center family of supporters, our beloved Rose Window has been returned its home in our sanctuary! As you may recall, last fall, we discovered that...
Poetry Corner: e e cummings
Eats of Street, featured on WFSB
Donna Berman, Executive Director of Charter Oak Cultural Center, explains Beat of the Street's fresh food program Eats of the Street. "We put these pots on the street and we fill them with organic vegetable plants, and anybody can pick the vegetables when they're...
Charter Oak’s #FacetotheName project
The Hartford Courant recently did a feature on Charter Oak's #FacetotheName project, a daily Facebook series that shares the faces of Black individuals who have been killed in altercations with the police. The article also features Unspoken Truths moderator Joelle...
Charter Oak’s Music Matters program, featured on WFSB
“Unlike sports, everyone’s in the game. When you have a band or an ensemble, all the kids are needed. You don’t say, 'You clarinet, go sit over here while you wait for these clarinets to play.' Everybody’s in the game so I think music’s special in that way, when...
Youth Arts Institute Fall 2020 Update
This fall, Charter Oak Cultural Center’s Youth Arts Institute will be offering virtual arts classes in music, dance, theater, visual arts and more! Our programs are available to any student age 6 to 18 in the Greater Hartford area. All classes are free, and supplies...