Together, We Create. Together, We Rise.

Together, We Create. Together, We Rise. image

We have to be our own keepers.

OUR MISSION

Harlem Needle Arts (HNA) is a pioneering cultural arts organization rooted in Harlem, New York, dedicated to preserving and expanding the narratives of fiber, textile, and needle arts within the African Diaspora. HNA creates spaces where Black, African/ American artists and communities can reclaim and celebrate their cultural heritage while fostering economic opportunities and creative expression.

For twenty years, HNA has been at the forefront of revitalizing traditional fiber arts that have often been overlooked or marginalized due to societal norms and values. We recognize the deep historical and cultural significance of textile traditions such as spinning, quilting, crocheting, weaving, knitting, adire, batik, and collage.These art forms serve as powerful vehicles for storytelling, ritual, cultural therapy, and resilience.

WHAT WE DO

As stewards of this work, HNA sustains the African/American artistic traditional through

  • Curatorial Work and Commissions

HNA curates powerful exhibitions and public art that center the artistic traditions of the African Diaspora. Through commissioned quilts, installations, and collaborative design projects, we provide paid opportunities for artists and bring culturally resonant textile art into museums, community spaces, and city landscapes. Our curatorial work preserves heritage, amplifies Black creative voices, and strengthens the cultural fabric of Harlem and beyond.

  • Business of Textile Art (BoTA)

BoTA is HNA’s artist-development initiative that equips textile and fiber artists with the business skills needed to sustain their creative careers. We offer practical guidance on pricing, portfolio building, intellectual property, and navigating commissions. BoTA helps artists strengthen their economic stability, build professional confidence, and participate fully in the creative economy.

  • Instructional Workshops

HNA’s workshops offer hands-on, culturally grounded learning in quilting, natural dyeing, felting, batik, surface design, and other textile traditions. Led by practicing artists, our small-group workshops build skills, nurture creativity, and provide restorative, community-centered experiences. These programs are consistently sold out, demonstrating the powerful public demand for accessible, high-quality arts engagement rooted in heritage.

COMMUNITY WE SERVE

Proudly rooted in Harlem, with a reach that now spans the five boroughs and communities across New York State, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.

We serve a broad and diverse community that includes:

  • Artists, families, and the general public who value accessible, inter-generational arts education, creative exploration and artists residencies.
  • Schools and universities integrating culturally grounded arts and textile-based learning
  • Corporate partners seeking creative wellness experiences, culturally centered engagement, and opportunities for commissions or art acquisition
  • Museums and cultural institutions collaborating on exhibitions, curatorial projects, and the acquisition of Diasporic textile works

HNA meets a growing demand for culturally rich, community-centered arts experiences.

Your support ensures we can continue expanding access and deepening impact across every community we serve.


Onward