About the Hamilton Hill Arts Center

The Hamilton Hill Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) cultural arts center. Our mission is to promote the knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of the arts and culture of African and African-Americans thereby enriching our community and the Capital Region. The Hamilton Hill Arts Center (HHAC) blends African and African-American arts and culture with educational and character-building activities, making the center a unique resource in the Capital Region. Founded in 1968 as a drop-in arts center for at-risk youth, our programs offerings have expanded to meet the growing needs of our community. We bring beauty, culture, and hope to an inner-city neighborhood and the entire region.

WE DO A LOT WITH A LITTLE . . .
We serve over 300 “at-risk youth” a year at the Arts Center. We also coordinate and host exhibits in our art gallery and sell African and African-American crafts and products. We serve hundreds more through our Arts in Education Program at a number of local and regional schools. In addition, thousands more are served through our regional celebrations of Kwanzaa (at the NYS Museum), Juneteenth (a two day festival held at Schenectady’s Central Park) and Culturefest Summer Concert Series. This is done with a staff of five. Volunteers and many community volunteers augment our staff.

WE OFFER HOPE . . .
We offer a safe and creative haven, with positive role models. Youth are supported and encouraged in a lifestyle that fosters positive development. A lifestyle that will help each individual discover and express his or her own uniqueness. Youth who come to the Arts Center are encouraged to develop their artistic potential, learning many important life lessons in the process.