Universal Arts of Chapel Haven, Inc is one of several projects in the running for the Robert E. Gard award. This is the inaugural year of the award which recognizes and celebrates an exemplary project from 2015 that has successfully crossed the arts into community life in meaningful measurable ways.

Universal Arts  (Uarts) is a non-profit program in Connecticut, providing vocational training in the arts for populations who have challenges connecting to creativity. Prior to 2015, there were no resources for culturally unseen populations to access art studios; Uarts was founded with funds granted from Artplace America, the State of Connecticut and Chapel Haven, Inc. to provide support for these populations to access creativity. Uarts trains persons with disabilities in developing art and artisan skills from local artists who are in need of employment and have creative knowledge to share. Social service programs throughout the East Coast seek to replicate this creative workforce development program in places where community interaction is limited and fills the void from the closing of sheltered workshops. Uarts offers creative opportunities for those who wish to explore art as a vocational option. Uarts students at the program’s three locations exhibit increased skill level, confidence, and connection to the community, which are evidence of the growth of health and equity for each individual.

Universal Arts of Chapel Haven, Inc partnered with artists, corporations, city and state governments, and real estate developers to make the program happen. Project partners include: the State of Connecticut, Office of the Arts; Southington Community Cultural Arts in Southington (SoCCA); East Street Arts and many others.

The recipient of the 2016 Robert E. Gard Award will be announced at Americans for the Arts 2016 Annual Convention in Boston, MA during the Opening Plenary session on Friday, June 17, 2016, from 12:00 pm – 2:15 pm.