Famed as a cornerstone of African American culture since the 1920s, Harlem continues to thrive as an arts destination within New York City. The Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA) is a non-profit service organization committed to nurturing the artistic growth and organizational development of artists and arts organizations in Harlem, throughout New York State, the region and the nation. We were lucky enough to speak with Kim George, Associate Director, about fueling Harlem’s cultural engine.

Can you give us a brief history of your organization?

Since its launch as an autonomous arts organization in 2001, the Harlem Arts Alliance has dedicated itself to the development, cultivation, and promotion of Harlem’s greatest resource, its creative community. HAA’s progress has been made possible by the incredible enthusiasm and energy of the artists and arts organizations that call Harlem home, by the responsiveness of community members that believe in and support arts and culture as a central component of Harlem life.

HAA’s membership is compromised of individuals and organizations who are tireless in their efforts to bring people of all races and backgrounds together around the arts in a wide variety of ways. HAA members are committed to sharing the arts to build and improve our community.

What programs and services do you provide for artists?

We offer Development Services throughout the year for artists: they can attend the Technical Assistance, Grant Support, and Development Seminar Series. These workshops feature topics from grant writing to growing your web presence - all skills that help our artists in their careers.

What have been some of the highlights of your 2010 programming?

We collaborated with the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce to feature HAA visual artists, vendors, and performing artists during Harlem Week events. Another great collaboration with NYC Parks Department presented the Arts Rootz & Rhythm series which featured HAA performing artists at Jackie Robinson Park, easily accessible to the community.

What role did Harlem Arts Alliance play in Harlem Week?

We coordinated HAA member exhibitor spaces, including participation in the NYC Children’s Festival area which offers recreational and educational activities for children. We also sponsored HAA member performances on the 135th Street stage.

You offer a new — and free — Junior Membership level of HAA for youth ages 12-17.  What HAA services and opportunities do these young members have access to?

Junior members of HAA get discount tickets to Broadway shows, access to HAA member database, and the opportunity to feature their talent at the HAA monthly meeting.

What is one fact about your organization that you wish was more widely known?

The website has been enhanced to provide a more user friendly experience. Our online calendar is a great resource to tap into the cultural life of Harlem.

Have you seen an increase in demand for any of your services in particular during these tough economic times?

HAA artists are really interested in workshops focusing on fundraising and boosting online donations.

Do you have any workshops or meetings coming up?

There are a lot of great events coming up this fall: first an Artz Rootz & Rhythm showcase on September 11th at Jackie Robinson Park. We also have six workshops for artists in September and October alone, covering everything from grant writing to copyright issues. And we are excited for Harlem Arts Advocacy Week - starting Monday, October 4, 2010.

Do you have new programming planned for 2011?

We are launching legal clinics, a one-on-one consultation with artists and an attorney. These clinics will assist individual artists and arts organizations with questions and concerns of a legal nature regarding their work or business. The legal clinics are being implemented to provide free to low cost consultations to HAA individual artists and arts organizations who may not otherwise have access to legal counsel. Attorney Stacy R. Lynch of Lillie Pop Law Group, Inc will facilitate the clinics.

How do you know that you are succeeding in your mission?

We get positive responses though our Member Survey, evaluation forms after workshops, and and face to face interactions. A few great comments:

“Had it not been for you and HAA’s steadfast belief in the arts in Harlem, I would not have received the support I and other artists so desperately need to keep creating. Not even the money so much as the sense of community, and your unwavering support of our right to exist and be accounted for. Thank you for your perseverance.”

“I truly appreciate the progress and have been afforded a great many opportunities because of my membership in HAA.”

“As an intern at HAA, I was fortunate to spend my summer working with such a passionate and creative staff. They are truly dedicated to serving all disciplines of the arts and have exemplified the meaning of this organization. I enjoyed working for the Harlem Arts Alliance most especially because of its commitment to cultivating the arts in the Harlem community.”

How can people get involved with HAA?

We always welcome new members and volunteers! Our website also features upcoming arts events throughout Harlem, so take the opportunity to enjoy our neighborhood.

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If you are an arts organization based in the United States with 50 or more members, or if you have a defined constituency of 50+ artists who you support, you may be eligible to participate in Fractured Atlas’s Open Arts Network. Contact Adam Natale for more information:adam.natale@fracturedatlas.org, 212-277-8023.