ArtaHaus: Housing for Artists and Creators

Investing in the Art Community

At Howzing, we believe that artists are essential workers of the soul—they paint our realities, tell our stories, compose our emotions, and design the future. And yet, they are among the most economically vulnerable. Many juggle multiple jobs just to continue their creative work, while some—especially those from immigrant or persecuted communities—face additional barriers simply for expressing their truth.

That’s why we’re proud to introduce ArtaHaus:A flagship housing model dedicated to supporting artists, performers, writers, musicians, and makers with dignified, affordable live-work spaces. ArtaHaus isn’t just housing—it’s a sanctuary for creative expression and cultural contribution.

Why ArtaHaus?

The name "Arta" (آرتا) originates from ancient Persian, meaning truth, justice, and sacred purpose—core values of the Achaemenid Empire and still relevant to the artist’s role in society. By combining “Arta” with “Haus” (house), we’ve created a name that honors both the spiritual foundation of art and the physical structure it deserves.

The Urgency

In major cities across the U.S., the very people who shape our cultural identity—actors, stagehands, painters, designers, poets—are being pushed out of urban cores due to rising housing costs. Studies show that:

• Over 75% of artists earn less than $35,000/year

• A majority of musicians and performers rely on second jobs to survive

• Many live without secure housing, relying on couches, motels, or even sleeping in their cars

Without intervention, cities risk losing the heartbeat of their creative class.

Our Vision for ArtaHaus

Each ArtaHaus development will feature:

• Affordable live/work residences designed for artists and their families

• On-site galleries, studios, and performance spaces to foster collaboration and visibility

• Daycare and vocational training hubs—especially helpful for female artists balancing family and craft

• Cultural partnerships with nonprofits, universities, and local arts councils

• Wellness and healing spaces, acknowledging the emotional toll of the creative life

From downtown Oakland to the Central Valley, from converted industrial buildings to newly constructed eco-residences, ArtaHaus will provide permanence, pride, and possibility for artists of every medium and background.

Join Us

Whether you’re a city looking to preserve your creative workforce, a foundation eager to support arts equity, or a property owner with an underutilized space—we invite you to partner with us in building the next ArtaHaus.

Together, we can build more than just walls.We can build a future where art, identity, and dignity have a home.