New funding boosts Hartford Performs' art integration programs in local schools
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Hartford, March 28, 2026
Hartford Performs received a one-time appreciation grant from the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, previously known as the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. In 2025, the Foundation begun distributing $6 million in grant funding to local arts and culture nonprofit organizations in Hartford.
Sarah Asmar, Advancement Director for Hartford Performs, said the grant is particularly meaningful because unrestricted funding is uncommon. “This is not a common grant to receive," Asmar said. “We’re all very grateful.” The organization has a dual mission. According to their website, it is rooted in philanthropic engagement to develop vibrant communities within the Greater Hartford area, by engaging young minds creatively to excel academically.
It provides several arts integration programs such as Artful Hearts and Mindful movers, where teachers and students learn about self-awareness, communication, and problem-solving using props such as feathers. These programs work seamlessly alongside the academic curriculum. Asmar emphasized the meaningful impact these programs have on students.
“The students tell us that they really see themselves in the project,” she notes, “They see that they are heard and that they are represented, and that's really important for all students.”
Asmar leads fundraising efforts for the organization, spending much of her time writing grants and communicating with potential donors. Some of the funding received from the Foundation has already been use at Milner Middle School. Teaching artist Rey Bermudez has partnered with the Spanish teacher to provide workshops that promote cognitive, social-emotional, and motor skill development while giving students the opportunity to explore artistic expressions of their cultural heritage. He has over 30 years of experience in dance instruction, human services, and education
These 9-week residencies offer students the unique opportunity to shape the program themselves. The hands-on, interactive nature of the workshops encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, be creative, and collaborate with their peers.
“I give the student opportunities to chime in on choreography.” Bermudez said. “We’re definitely going back and forth in discussion of the history, the background, and making those connections to the current present day. Giving them that leadership gives them both power and agency so that they can really say this was mine. I made this in partnership with my school. This is what I'm going to leave behind.”
Grant funding has made programs from Hartford Performs increasingly available. Bermudez said that in recent years he has noticed an increase in residencies, presentations, and professional development opportunities. Increased funding has also allowed schools to purchase supplies that support the program including instruments, costumes, and books for students and their families. These resources extend beyond the program itself and encourage continued engagement.
Reflecting on the impact of these programs, Bermudez described the transformation he often sees in students.
“I see students go from complete disengagement –‘Nah, I’m not doing that.’--To, poking their heads up and paying attention a little bit. Then, they get excited about the instruments, and eventually they’re up and moving, even getting to a final performance. That's a really transformative process.”
For Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, the centennial grant initiative highlights its continued commitment to supporting arts education and culture vibrancy across the city. In honor of its centennial, they committed $4 million in one-time “Appreciation Grants” to 48 organizations. The remaining $2 million will strengthen partnerships with the Artists of Color Accelerate program, Assets for Artists (A4A), and CT humanities (Hartford Gives).
Investments in programs like Hartford Performs not only sustain local arts organizations but also expand opportunities for students to explore creativity, cultural expression and collaboration. These experiences extend beyond the classroom, shaping students' identity and connection to their communities.
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