About Us

ABOUT HOWL! ARTS

Howl! Arts Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the past and celebrating the contemporary culture of the East Village and Lower East Side. Based in New York City’s East Village, Howl! Arts curates exhibitions and produces events that invite active participation of the community to circulate ideas, generate discussion, and celebrate the fearless innovators who continue to influence new generations. The organization encompasses dynamic cultural spaces and community-centered programming.

Read the 2021 Annual Report

Howl! Happening: An Arturo Vega Project
Howl! Happening was founded in 2015. Taking its name from Allen Ginsberg’s epic poem and clarion call of freedom, artist Allan Kaprow’s unpredictable free-form happenings of the 60s and 70s, and Arturo Vega’s example of generosity and support for artists and the community, Howl! Happening has become an intergenerational cultural hub—a club house—of experimentation, camaraderie, collaboration, and crazy wisdom. Howl! Happening has presented more than 40 exhibitions and 500+ events in its space at 6 East 1st Street. All programs and events are free and open to the public.

Howl! TV
Howl! TV is a channel to the artistic creation of myriad artists, performers, poets, dancers, and thought leaders who exemplify the spirit of the East Village and Lower East Side. Original Programming or live streaming 24/7, our website was designed to give viewers a sneak peek of exhibitions and events, and a chance to select from hundreds of past programs by legends of the downtown scene, activists, and artists who continue the legacy of creativity which is the hallmark of the neighborhood.

Howl! Arts Education Programs
Howl’s education programs provide youth and adult audiences with free hands-on art education. Established and emerging artists from the Lower East Side community collaborate to facilitates workshops and programs in a variety of artistic mediums. Experimenting with new materials and mentorship from seasoned artists are the hallmark of Howl’s education programs and each program is designed to be accessible to participants regardless of previous experience. Howl serves high-school-aged students through its teen arts program, Howl! High.

Howl! Emergency Life Project (Howl! HELP)
In partnership with The Actors Fund, Howl! HELP is a safety net that provides emergency financial assistance and social service support for artists who have participated in the annual HOWL! Festival, or who have made or make their careers in New York City’s East Village and Lower East Side arts communities. Services include counseling and referrals for personal, family, or work-related problems, and linkage to community resources for medical care, legal services, public benefits, and elder care. Workshops about Affordable housing, Financial education, and Health insurance options are offered. Financial assistance is available for rent, utilities, mental health, and medical care, as well as other basic living expenses. Grants are approved on a case-by-case basis based on need.

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