The 224 EcoSpace is the premier arts, health and wellness social enterprise in Hartford, CT where change-makers work, create and lead. The first of its kind in the nation we are more than a traditional gallery, co-working space, yoga, dance studio and performance sanctuary. We combine them all within our 30,000 square foot community laboratory in Hartford, Connecticut forming the “EcoSpace.”
At The 224 EcoSpace we welcome visionaries, creative thinkers and doers from all walks of life.
We infuse a lasting impression of hope, transformation and growth in the heart of the city. With 30,000 square feet of endless possibilities, we provide a nurturing environment and the necessary resources for life learners and innovators with a passion to produce beyond traditional ways of thinking.
“We have 30,000 square feet of endless possibilities. Join us.””
The Conference of Churches is the parent organization of The 224. Through our creation of the 224 EcoSpace we have redefined the role of faith-based organizations (locally and nationally) by reimagining the practice of community engagement and economic empowerment. The 224 EcoSpace — is an anchor in the Asylum Hill neighborhood of Hartford, Connecticut and a gathering place for creatives; the underserved; thought leaders; social and business entrepreneurs and those in search of health and wellness.
“The 224 EcoSpace is a unique hub that Creates a space for creativity, which gives room for collaborative working conditions, and the opportunity to Lead as a Entrepreneurial Change Agent.”
Building on our 120 -year history of faith-based leadership, The Conference of Churches provides the environment to gather and inspire people who want to grow and facilitate positive change.
“The 224 EcoSpace creates Transformational Change Through Our Three Platforms and Centres of Excellence”
Rev. F. Lydell Brown
PRESIDENT & CEO
A nationally recognized leader in community organizing and clergy engagement, Rev. F. Lydell Brown has served as Chief Operating Officer of The Conference of Churches for 20 years. In April 2022, he transitioned from [Chief Operations Officer] into the role of [Interim CEO], where he will assume The Executive Directorship of The Conference of Churches, and all of its programs. In December of 2022 He was appointed as permanent President & CEO by the board of directors
An ordained minister, Rev. Brown has served as a pastor for more than 30 years. Presently, he serves as the pastor and founder of Burning Bush Family Life Center. Rev. Brown is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, the Hartford Seminary Black Ministries Program, and the Yale Clergy Scholar program; he is also a highly skilled professional in facilities management and operations, and a nationally known community organizer. Rev Brown has also served on many boards, Community Partners in Action, The North End Catholic Charities of Hartford, President and Founder of The Concerned Black Clergy Council of Waterbury just to name a few.
During his time with The Conference of Churches, Rev. Brown has been pivotal in helping to update and expand the organization’s mission toward becoming a more inclusive, community driven organization. Rev. Brown assisted in the development of the 224 EcoSpace- a premier arts, health and wellness center in Hartford and a nationally recognized model of creative social enterprise for The Conference of Churches. Described as the first of its kind in the nation, the facility is “more than a traditional gallery, co-working space & technical assistance for start-up businesses, yoga, dance studio and performance sanctuary. We combine them all within our 30,000 square foot community of possibilities.
Find out more about Rev. F. Lydell Brown
www.bbflc.org www.revlydell.com | LinkedIn
Andre Rochester - Program Manager
Andre Rochester is a Fine Artist from the Greater Hartford region of Connecticut. He studied illustration at the University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts and completed his BA in Studio Art at Charter Oak State College. He also earned a MS in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University.
Andre is an inaugural Artist of Color Accelerate Fellow, partnered with The Amistad Center at Wadsworth Atheneum, Leadership Greater Hartford- 2021 Quest Program Alum, Greater Hartford Arts Council 2022 New Voices Fellow, and 2022-23 National Leaders of Color Fellow- representing CT for the New England Foundation for The Arts.
Andre serves on the boards of Hartford Art School Endowment, Wethersfield Academy for The Arts, and Connecticut Arts Alliance as well as a Board Elector at Wadsworth Atheneum. Andre is also former board member at Windsor Art Center. He has also served on the City of Hartford Commission on Cultural Affairs. Andre coaches emerging artists, encouraging them to develop their craft with a focus on professionalism and business acumen. He believes that with every step forward, we must make room for others to join us.
Find out more about Andre Rochester
www.andrerochester.com | www.rochestercoaching.com
Tamara Brown - Office Manager
“I'm Tamara Brown a.k.a Tamara Knows Taxes. I joined The 224 in April 2022 as the Office Manager and Bookkeeper. Prior to that, I worked in a corporate office for over 20 years; during, I became a professional tax preparer and earned my bachelor degree in accounting. I’ve been known to wear many hats including self-published author, furniture upcycler, and home improvement D.I.Y’er.
I love being at the 224 because I'm able to use my years of experience in a space that's for small business owners and creatives like myself. In addition to being the office manager, I host events to help entrepreneurs understand bookkeeping and taxes.”
“Away from the smog in cities, our hearts are drawn west, where the only dust is earth, and the only barrier is the sky. Head west for the silence that roars from a wild heart.”
The 224 EcoSpace came about because of many creative partners and visionaries. We exist because of their ongoing contributions.
