Help Shape the Future of Creative Arts Workshop
Creative Arts Workshop is embarking on an exciting planning initiative that will help guide the future of our historic home at 80 Audubon Street and strengthen our ability to serve Greater New Haven for generations to come.
Thanks to support from the Connecticut Community Investment Fund (CIF), administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Creative Arts Workshop has launched a comprehensive planning process that will result in a long-term Master Plan for our facility and programs.
Founded in 1961, Creative Arts Workshop has served as a creative anchor in New Haven’s Audubon Arts District for more than six decades. Today, CAW welcomes more than 1,500 students annually, hosts exhibitions and public programs, provides tuition assistance to hundreds of participants, and remains the city’s last remaining community art school dedicated to the visual arts.
As our organization continues to grow, we are evaluating how our 22,000-square-foot facility can best support the evolving needs of artists, students, educators, and the broader community.
This planning process includes two complementary initiatives:
Building Assessment and Renovation Planning
Creative Arts Workshop will conduct a comprehensive assessment of our facility at 80 Audubon Street, including building systems, accessibility, energy efficiency, historic preservation requirements, and opportunities to reimagine public and program spaces.
The selected architectural team will help develop a long-range vision for the facility, including conceptual designs, cost estimates, and planning documents that will support future fundraising and capital investment.
Community and Market Research
At the same time, Creative Arts Workshop will undertake a robust community engagement and market research process designed to better understand the needs, interests, and aspirations of Greater New Haven residents.
Through surveys, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and data analysis, this work will help ensure that future investments in our facility align with community priorities and support equitable access to arts education and cultural programming.
Together, these efforts will culminate in a comprehensive Master Plan that positions Creative Arts Workshop for continued growth and impact while preserving its historic role as a cultural resource for the region.
Procurement Opportunities
Creative Arts Workshop is currently seeking qualified firms to assist with these planning initiatives.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Architectural and Design Services
Project: 80 Audubon Street Renovation Plan
Creative Arts Workshop invites Statements of Qualifications from licensed architectural firms with experience in nonprofit, cultural, educational, and historic preservation projects.
The selected firm will conduct a comprehensive building assessment and lead the development of conceptual renovation plans, design documents, cost estimates, and related planning materials.
RFQ Release Date: June 5, 2026
Submission Deadline: July 10, 2026
Download the Architectural Services RFQ (PDF)
Questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to:
Leslie Bubello, Project Manager
lbubello@creativeartsworkshop.org
(203) 641-6899
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Community and Market Research Services
Creative Arts Workshop seeks proposals from qualified market research, planning, community engagement, and consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive assessment of community needs, market demand, and future opportunities for arts programming in Greater New Haven.
The selected firm will help design and implement surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and related research activities that will inform CAW’s future strategic and facility planning efforts.
RFP Release Date: June 5, 2026
Submission Deadline: July 10, 2026
Download the Community & Market Research RFP (PDF)
Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to:
Leslie Bubello, Project Manager
lbubello@creativeartsworkshop.org
(203) 641-6899
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Creative Arts Workshop is committed to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity in all procurement activities.
We actively encourage submissions from certified Small, Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and welcome partnerships that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Creative Arts Workshop reserves the right to reject any or all submissions and to select the firm or firms that best align with the organization’s mission, project goals, and financial parameters.