Hi-ARTS

In the beginning, there was Hip-Hop

Our Mission

Hi-ARTS is a leading cultural hub within the urban arts movement. Through artistic development residencies, vibrant multi-disciplinary creative programming, and civic engagement opportunities, we empower artists to develop bold new work while creating a positive, lasting impact on our community. 

What we do

Hi-ARTS is the only institution in New York City, and one of the few in the country, exclusively dedicated to supporting and developing Hip-Hop and the urban aesthetic. Hi-ARTS supports emerging and established theater, performance, and visual artists to develop and present new work. We engage directly with the community through our artists, educational programming, and partnerships. Learn more about our upcoming events here.

What is “Urban Art”?

Hip-Hop refers to work that engages emceeing, graffiti, deejaying, and/or b-boy/girling. As a form of expressive culture, Hip-Hop has evolved over its history and will continue to adapt. In a broader sense, urban aesthetics include Hip-Hop and a continuum of works that respond to social, cultural, economic, or political realities disproportionately impacting Black and Latinx communities and communities of color.“Urban” has historically represented a particular engagement with the built environment, access to technology, aesthetic choices, and lived experience. Hi-ARTS’ use of Hip-Hop and urban aesthetics are deliberately broad points of entry to start, not stifle, creativity, and artistic discussions. We are interested in both classic and new interpretations.