The Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT opened in 2001. The Center hosts an array of University and community events year round, and presents an annual performing arts series featuring dance, music, theatre, film, and special programs in its 364 seat Hoffman Auditorium. The auditorium and the University Art Gallery are located in the Bruyette Athenaeum, which was featured as an outstanding building in American School and University Magazine. The Art Gallery presents a series of annual exhibitions mounted from the University's distinguished collection, works on loan, and touring programs. The Gallery is open prior to events and at intermissions. The Center is the recipient of the Noah Webster Award for "Extraordinary Commitment to the Community" from the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, citing the Center's hosting of events of 150 greater Hartford organizations since 2001; and, the Distinguished Achievement in Dance Award from the Connecticut Dance Alliance for its role as a major Connecticut dance venue, hosting the annual "5 X 5 Dance Festival," which is in its 15th year, for professional and collegiate companies, serving as the performance home for several regional companies, presenting of major out of state dance companies, and commitment to dancers with disabilities. The Autorino Center is host to over 280 university activities each academic year. During our 2016-2017 season the Center organized and presented the first annual American Roots Festival, a celebration of the diversity of American heritage through folk and blues music, theater, break dancing, and more. The Autorino Center won first place for Best University/College Arts Venue in CT NOW’s Best of Hartford Readers’ Poll for 2018.The Center presents annual Gospel, Irish, and folk music festivals, and an outdoor summer Shakespeare festival.