Sauce Apparel Company
HRAI's retail business, transforming original artwork into wearable products so artists earn from what they create.
Norfolk, Virginia · Est. 2015
The arts as a vehicle for community, education and economic power.
Hampton Roads Arts Initiative LLC empowers artists, students, entrepreneurs and communities by connecting arts, culture, education and economic opportunity.
Our mission
Platforms, resources and mentorship that build pathways.
Through creative programming, community partnerships, financial literacy initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures, HRAI provides platforms, resources, mentorship and experiences that strengthen communities and create pathways for artistic, personal and financial growth.
HRAI was established to support artists and strengthen communities through mentoring, training, resources and partnerships with local businesses and community organizations — a commitment that still defines the organization today.
What we run
Business and community initiatives
The Grade Bank
A long-term youth program centered on financial literacy, mental wellness, mentorship, entrepreneurship and academic incentives.
Take It to the Bank
Adult financial literacy and mental health programming with practical education and access to financial and wellness experts.
Southside World Music & Arts Festival
A multicultural fundraising festival celebrating music, visual arts, food and cultures from around the world.
In development
Southside World Music & Arts Festival
A multicultural fundraising event built to unite communities through international music, visual arts, food, cultural performances and educational outreach — planned first for Norfolk, Virginia and Dallas, Texas, with locations such as Waterside and Texas Live under exploration.
Its primary purpose is to fund a comprehensive youth initiative focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and mental-health awareness for students in grades 6–12, connecting them with qualified financial and community professionals.
- 100%
- of festival profits fund the grades 6–12 youth initiative
- 2 cities
- Norfolk, Virginia and Dallas, Texas planned first
- 5–10
- promotional programs and community events leading up to the festival
Lead-up events under consideration
- Adult financial literacy, wellness and mental-health awareness program
- A bluegrass music event
- An international food-centered event or gala
- Additional arts, music and community outreach programs
The project is in early planning stages; venues, programming, partnerships and operational details are still being developed and subject to change.
Where it started
The Colley Avenue Music and Arts Festival
In 2015, HRAI produced CAMAF in Norfolk, Virginia — an outdoor music and visual arts festival highlighting local, regional and national musicians and artists, boosting artistic diversity and community camaraderie while giving emerging creatives a place to be seen and discovered.
Two stages
An outdoor main stage and an indoor acoustic stage for local and touring acts.
Artists & vendors
A vending area where visual artists and makers sold directly to the community.
Promotional series
Jingle Jamboree food and coat drive, Battle of the Bands, Bluegrass and Brews, and the Acoustic Lounge open mic.
Past partners have included ForKids, Back Bay Brewing Co., Shaka's, Norfolk State University Theatre Company, Groove Record Shop, Aardvark, Element at Ghent and more.
Get involved
Partner with Hampton Roads Arts Initiative
HRAI is seeking collaborative partnerships with venues, sponsors, nonprofit organizations, financial professionals, educational institutions, artists and local businesses.
Venues
Stages, sound systems, production equipment and operational support — recognized as a major community partner.
Sponsors & businesses
Brand visibility across festival and lead-up events, plus increased patronage and community goodwill.
Nonprofits & educators
A qualified nonprofit partner to oversee ticketing, sponsorship funds and disbursements with full transparency.
Artists & professionals
Performance slots, vending space, and financial and mental-health professionals to teach students.
Interested in sponsoring, hosting or teaching? We would love to hear from you.
Contact HRAIGive your time or support
Donate or volunteer to keep the arts working.
Every donation funds the grades 6–12 youth initiative — financial literacy, mentorship, entrepreneurship and mental-health programming — and every volunteer hour helps the Southside World Music & Arts Festival reach more of the community.
Donate
100% of festival profits and donations go directly to the youth initiative. One-time or recurring gifts welcome.
Volunteer
Help run festival stages, lead-up events, youth workshops and outreach — no experience required, just heart.