www.dcarts.dc.gov We provide financial support and conduct programming in three primary focus areas:
**DC Creates Public Art**
The purpose of the DC Creates!
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The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) provides grants, professional opportunities, education enrichment, other programs and services to individuals and nonprofit organizations in all communities within the District of Columbia. CAH is supported primarily by District government funds and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
*Vision*
As the Nation’s Capital, the District of
Columbia is a world-class cultural destination. CAH will be the leading voice for arts and culture in the city, thereby elevating the impact of the arts and humanities locally, nationally and internationally. Recognizing the changing dynamics within the city, CAH is poised to increase our depth and expand our breadth of creative opportunities for residents and visitors.
*Programs*
CAH is governed by a volunteer board of Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Public Art Program is to provide high quality art installations and administrative support services to the public so they can benefit from an enhanced visual environment.
**Arts Learning and Outreach**
The purpose of the Arts Learning and Outreach Program is to provide grants, educational activities and outreach services for youth, young adults and the general public so they can gain a deeper appreciation for the arts and enhance the overall quality of their lives.
**Arts Building Communities (Grants and Programs)**
The purpose of the Arts Building Communities program is to provide grants, performances, exhibitions and other services to individual artists, arts organizations and neighborhood/community groups so they can express, experience and have access to the rich cultural diversity of the District. Grants are based on funding availability and advisory panel recommendations. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) page intends to:
*Provide information and updates regarding activities and opportunities at the CAH and beyond;
*Invite discussion and participation in the arts and arts-related activities; and to
*Encourage partnership and collaboration. In order to ensure that all discussions on the CAH page are productive, respectful, energized and consistent with our mission and goals, we ask you to follow these guidelines:
*Be considerate and respectful of others. Vulgarity, threats or abuse of language will not be tolerated.
*Differing opinions and discussion of diverse ideas are encouraged, but personal attacks on anyone, including CAH staff, will not be permitted.
*Share freely and be generous, but be aware of copyright laws; be accurate and give credit where credit is due.
*Stay on topic.
*Refrain from using the page for solicitation, for commercial purposes or to market products. We reserve the right to make editorial decisions regarding submitted comments, including but not limited to removal of comments that violate these guidelines. CAH is an agency of the District of Columbia. It is not legal or permissible for state agencies to engage in or take official positions related to state or federal laws, political issues/actions or elections. Posts that relate to legal or political issues/actions may be removed. Opinions expressed by other Facebook users do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. In addition to our own policy, we expect those who engage with us and each other through our page to also abide by the site’s Community Standards: https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards
Operating as usual
Announcing a special opportunity for Black-owned businesses to join this year's Celebrate Juneteenth festival in D.C. Celebrate Juneteenth is looking for 20 vendors to participate in the curated Black-owned marketplace at its community festival on June 18th. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 15. For participation requirements, fees, and the online application, visit https://www.celebratejuneteenthdc.com/vendors
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Executive Director Aaron Myers was pleased to join Director Ben de Guzman from the DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs with other friends from Mayor Bowser’s team last night to celebrate the annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration
Request for Applications released today for:
Art Bank - https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/art-bank
Arts and Humanities Fellowship - https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/arts-and-humanities-fellowship-program
&
Projects, Events, or Festivals - https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/projects-events-or-festivals
Learn more on our website. And sign up for a grants workshop or live chat!
MEETING NOTICE: CAH Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 17 at 3:00 pm ET via Webex
The CAH Executive Committee will meet to discuss the following:
FY23 Budget Spending Plan
CAH Foundation Status
May 19 Art Week Event Stakeholders Meeting
Members of the public are invited to observe the public portions of the meeting live online on the agency's YouTube channel.
Full details here:
https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/cah-executive-committee-special-meeting-may-17-2023
Please join the Capitol City Symphony and Congressional Chorus for Of Sight & Sound.
OF SIGHT & SOUND
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 7:00 PM
Church of the Epiphany
1317 G St NW, Washington, DC 20005
https://tickets.chorusconnection.com/cc/events/601
The performance begins with grammy-nominated Chinese-American composer Zhou Tian's lush Broken Ink, which evokes the melodies and tones of Chinese poetry. Jocelyn Hagen's ingenious multimedia choral-orchestral work is the DC premiere for Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci. This captivating piece uses the latest video-syncing technology to bring da Vinci's work to life through his words and drawings in an unforgettable concert experience.
Of Sight & Sound is an innovative collaboration combining Capital City Symphony's vibrant orchestra and the Congressional Chorus's perfect blend of diverse choral voices.
Did you know?!
Since Chinese is a tonal language with pitch-impacting meaning, Chinese poetry is melodic. In the Song dynasty - the period from which Tian's poetic inspiration comes - there was no system of notation, leaving current readers no insight into how to perform poetry of that era.
Students ages 16 and under are admitted free at the door.
On behalf of our Executive Director Aaron Myers and the rest of CAH's staff and commissioners, please join us as we celebrate Chairperson Reggie Van Lee's birthday today, May 8th!
In case you missed it, for the theatre lovers in our community, check out this piece from the DCist.
See "In the Heights" in Herndon, a world premiere commissioned by Studio Theatre that deals with themes of gentrification, or a musical about Audrey Hepburn around D.C. theaters this month.
Photos from Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Day Care Center's post
Photos from Public Art Archive's post
Photos from Vika Visual Arts Association's post
Yesterday was Bike and Roll to School Day!! It kicked off with a Lincoln Park Event organized by the Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization, where students are invited to celebrate at Lincoln Park in NE and safely bike to schools nearby with help from DDOT and MPD.
We worked with Color the Curb: School Safety Program partners and to collaborate with local artist groups and along with commissioned artists to conduct student engagement in celebration of Bike and Roll to School Day.
At Hendley, we had Monique Diop representing Positive Chalk and DC Councilmember Trayon White’s office, along with Artist Gordon Davis and students, some of who were sporting DDOT’s Art in the Right of Way (AROW) sticker.
At Boone, our own Kerry Kennedy was joined by CTC tech advisor Chelsea Ritter Soronen and artists Dietrich Williams and Mark Garrett, who worked with
students drawing with chalk.
And at Randle Highlands, we had students Painting with Alexander Golob, art teacher Erica Nichols, as well as some chalk drawing with Kelsey Bridges from DDOT.
We'll be sharing more photos from four other sites tomorrow!
NEWS: Jazz musician and activist Aaron Myers has been selected as the new executive director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities!
Read our coverage here 🎤📝 ... https://www.capitalbop.com/aaron-myers-commission-executive-director-news/
Did you know today is Bike & Roll to School Day?
Check out this Greater Greater Washington article for more info, and how Public Art is involved.
Although biking to school brings health, mental, and social benefits, many kids don’t bike to school because driver behavior puts them at risk. This year’s Bike to School Day in Capitol Hill focuses on how a new DC law, plus the creative touch, can help kids ride safely.
Photos from Levine Music's post
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Aaron Myers as our new Executive Director. Myers, a renowned jazz vocalist, pianist, educator, and activist, brings a wealth of experience in the arts and a passion for community engagement to his new role. Myers was nominated for appointment by the Commission in February 2023 following an extensive four-month search. The Council of the District of Columbia voted unanimously to confirm his appointment at today’s legislative meeting.
As a DC-based artist, Myers has a deep understanding of the city's cultural landscape and its diverse communities. He has been an active member of the DC arts community for over a decade, serving as the Artist-in-Residence at the Black Fox Lounge, Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, The Eaton and performing at venues across the city. He is the founding Board Chair of the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation, serves on the Board of Governors of the DC Recording Academy and has been recognized for his work in arts education.
In addition to his extensive background in the arts, Myers is known for his advocacy for social justice and community engagement. He has served as a community organizer and principle organizer of the DMV Music Stakeholders, a grassroots effort to center relief and resources for members of the music community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the Executive Committee of the DC Branch of the NAACP.
Read the full announcement on our website here: https://dcarts.dc.gov/release/announcing-appointment-aaron-myers-cahs-new-executive-director
We are THRILLED to announce that Producer & Co-Host Elizabeth Bruce has received a 2023 Humanities DC Community Culture & Heritage Grant for the Creativists in Dialogue Podcast’s Theatre in Community Project!
With this grant, Elizabeth and podcast co-host Michael Oliver will interview a host of theatre-makers who’ve created community-embedded theatre in DC from the 1970s to the present.
Creativists in Dialogue will collaborate with our Community Partners: Karen Evans & Joy Jones of the Black Women Playwrights Group , Quique Aviles & Hilary Binder-Avilés of El Barrio Street Theatre/El Teatro Callejero del Barrio, and B. Stanley/ Raoul Williamson of Theatre du Jour.
Join us in enlivening civil discourse and finding common ground through creativity.
Free subscriptions available at https://creativists.substack.com.
The Theatre in Community Project of Creativists in Dialogue is funded in part by HumanitiesDC. Creativists in Dialogue is also supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and listeners like you.
Timeline photos
This summer Center for Inspired Teaching invites Washington, DC teachers of all subjects and grade levels to an invigorating learning experience grounded in the art of improvisation and the 5 Core Elements that lead to an engagement-rich classroom, June 27 to 29.
Learn more in this month’s newsletter: https://conta.cc/3NmBpEL
Check out our May Newsletter!!
Introduction form Kerry Kennedy
CAH Commission Meetings
CAH FY2024 Grant Programs
Poetry Out Loud National Finals
Beyond the Definition Virtual Convening
CAH Grantee Happenings
CAH Art Bank Spotlight
Exploring CAH FY2024 Grants
Non-CAH Opportunities
CAH Grantee Spotlights
Update Your Profile
You can read it here:
https://conta.cc/3NmBpEL
THIS COMING FRIDAY:
FY24 Public Art Building Communities Live Chat
May 5th at 10 am ET via Webex
RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fy-2024-public-art-building-communities-live-chat-tickets-620064117467
CAH conducts free workshops for participants to learn useful information about the agency’s funding opportunities and how to submit a grant application. All workshops are delivered virtually. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend this FY 24 PABC Grant Workshop.
Find more information about our PABC grant here: https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/public-art-building-communities-pabc
Please be advised that this workshop will include live real-time captioning via Webex. For reasonable accommodation requests regarding access and inclusion, please contact Travis Marcus ([email protected]), no later than 5 business days prior to the start of this event.
APPLY TODAY:
CAH Arts Grants Coordinator
Application Deadline:
Monday, May 8, 2023
Job Summary
The position is located in the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH). The mission of the CAH is to provide grants, programs and educational activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities, so that all District of Columbia residents and visitors can experience the rich culture of our city.
This position serves as the Arts Grants Coordinator responsible for performing a wide variety of duties related to managing and coordinating the realization of permanent and temporary public art installations and projects, and partnering with communities, artists, fabricators, as well as city and federal agencies within the District of Columbia.
Duties and Responsibilities
Assists and supports the manager in coordinating and implementing all aspects of multiple highly complex public art projects and recurring public art grant programs, working directly with installation artists, fabricators, and other vendors; manages construction schedules and budgets; conducts outreach; devises and executes community engagement strategies; and provides technical assistance to artists, designers, and grantees. Administers public art grants and awards documentation. Ensures that all grant reporting requirements are strictly adhered to, consistent with local and Federal law and policy. Collaborates on the formulation of the grant guidelines, application criteria, application questions, panel membership and documentation for public art grants maintained by the agency.
Coordinates review of applications by Public Art grant panels, including initial selection of grant panelists, panel operations and convenings. Assembles reports for Public Art grant-related data of particular grant programs. Provides technical support to constituents. Represents the agency at meetings related to the Public Art division as assigned. Conducts periodic site visits of Public Art grantees and/or contractors as part of monitoring and control of the Public Art grant and/or contract awards and cultivates positive and supportive relationships.
Qualifications and Education
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression. An example of Specialized Experience is coordinating and producing projects within at least one of the following fields: visual arts, including sculpture, murals, & installations; architecture and design.
Full details here: https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/cah-arts-grants-coordinator
DC Alliance Solutions Exchange: How the Arts Can Depolarize
The Braver Angels DC Alliance Solutions Exchange welcomes you to a panel discussion: "Drawing, Designing, and Directing Films for a Better Future: How the Arts Can Depolarize." Moderated by DC Alliance co-chair James Coan, our three panelists all combine deep love for the Arts with a commitment to their visions of a better world.
Philippa Hughes, social sculptor and cultural strategist, veteran of the DC Arts scene, and host of Blueberries + Cherries, where politically diverse guests talk to each other face-to-face over a meal
Roopa Dudley, a painter in the DC area who sometimes depicts politically conservative themes in her work
Jamil Simon, a documentary filmmaker and podcaster in Boston who creates media tools to promote peaceful solutions to conflict
This will run from 6-7:30pm in Meeting Room 1 of the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library, which is across the street from the Tenleytown-AU Metro station on the Red Line.
How can the arts depolarize America?
John Leguizamo's New Show Highlights Mount Pleasant, D.C. Region's Diverse Latino Culture
For the series’ third episode, which airs on Sunday, April 30, John Leguizamo and his team came to D.C. - a place Leguizamo says might be the most American city in the United States.
TGIF!! What arts show, exhibition, or program are you doing or seeing this weekend?
In the news!!
"In 2007, a movement started in D.C. The leaders were local artists, and their tools were aerosol paint. Nearly 17 years later, the MuralsDC project is going strong with 165 murals throughout D.C. Each mural depicts a variety of subject matter, from joyful tributes recognizing music legends to powerful statements about civil rights."
Read more at The Eagle.
MuralsDC has created nearly 200 murals throughout the District
Join us for the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest Semifinals to cheer on all of the student competitors! Back in person at the Lisner Auditorium and streaming May 9 at Arts.gov/Poetry-Out-Loud
Cheer on DC Poetry Out Loud champion Warwick Lloyd in the 1st semifinal, beginning at 9:00 am ET!
In local news:
"Hana Sharif will take over as the new artistic director for Arena Stage, succeeding Molly Smith, who led the storied nonprofit theater for the past 25 years and announced her retirement last June. Sharif will be arriving from St. Louis, where she led The Repertory Theatre for five years, in a career that has included stints in Hartford, Boston, and Baltimore."
Read more at DCist.
Sharif will become just the fourth artistic director and first person of color to lead Arena Stage, which is approaching its 75th year.
CLOSING SOON:
CAH Curator (Friday, April 28th)
The position is located in the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH). The mission of the DCCAH is to provide grants, programs and educational activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities, so that all District of Columbia residents and visitors can experience the rich culture of our city.
The purpose of this position is to provide the research, collection, and organization of on and offsite artwork/exhibits and provide support on all projects related to collection in whole or in part.
Full details here: https://dcarts.dc.gov/node/1656776
Photos from An Open Book Foundation's post
Missed out on our Full Commission meeting last night?
Watch the full recording here: https://dcarts.dc.gov/node/1652486
In this segment of The Abstract Dialogue, we will have an intimate discussion regarding Shara Mays' practice, the conceptual framework of "Overgrown," the artwork and installation, and so much more!
Join Mehari Sequar Gallery as we welcome back California based Abstract artist Shara Mays for the Abstract Dialogue artist talk series!
The Spoken word is a literary and performance art in which lyrics, poetry, sketches, or stories are spoken instead of sung. This time we take the words and SPEAK them to music. The official music of DC – GoGo
Do you have what it takes to perform your Spoken Word piece “In The Pocket”? Come try out your skills at this one of a kind open mic!
Hosted tonight by Brandon Douglas
Featuring 2022 Spoken Word to Go-Go Champion, Malachi Byrd
The audience will be invited to perform a spoken word piece to one of these unique GoGo beats created by The Experience Band & Show:
The official music of DC – GoGo Do you have what it takes to perform your Spoken Word piece “In The Pocket”?
11 Virtual And IRL Things To Do Around DC This Week
Monday, April 24 MENDING MONDAY: Need some tips on how to refresh your wardrobe this season? Head to The Outrage for a mending and sewing workshop with
UPDATE 📢 We are moving forward with Petworth PorchFest tomorrow! The weather is hard to predict, but we're going to hope for the best.
Bands: If it's raining and unpleasant during your set, of course there is no obligation to play. Please prioritize your comfort and safety.
Community: If something changes and tomorrow looks terrible from a weather standpoint during the event, we'll provide another update in the morning by 10AM.
Bands playing later in the afternoon (4pm, 5pm) may switch to an earlier time slot (12pm,1pm) so keep your eyes on the live schedule for any time changes.
Since the weather tomorrow is not ideal, we will honor the rain date if needed. Lookout for Petworth Porchfest Part 2 on 4/29! (The weather next weekend also does not look great, which is why we're not eager to postpone full stop.)
We're looking forward to a great neighborhood event and hope to see you outside in Petworth tomorrow afternoon!
Missed our latest Business of the Arts workshop entitled, "Public Art as Community Development"?
Check out the full recording here now: https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/business-arts
Don’t miss TOMORROW’s event! Details below👇🏼
Talk with Yu-Jung CHEN
Saturday, April 22, 2023, 2 p.m.
Yu-Jung CHEN will lead a gallery discussion of his current exhibition, “Dynamic Loop-Modulating Algorithm.” Yu-Jung will discuss his concept of “superposition” when exploring visible and invisible images in the natural world.
His exhibition is on view now through Sunday, April 30. Our open hours are Tue-Sun from 12-6 p.m. (12-5 p.m. on weekends).
—
Yu-Jung CHEN is sponsored by the National Culture and Arts Foundation in Taiwan. Hillyer is funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Galena Yorktown Foundation, and the Jon and Mary Shirley Foundation.
#國藝會
If you're looking for something to do this weekend:
"Petworth PorchFest returns for its third annual celebration of live music—all performed on residents’ porches throughout the neighborhood—this Saturday, April 22. From 2 to 6 PM, over 190 bands will play 45 minute sets, all free."
Read more at Washingtonian, as well as their page.
Wander the residential streets to hear hip hop, Bachata, pop-punk, and more.
ICYMI Check out this grant from Mid Atlantic Arts!!
Mid Atlantic Arts' Folk and Traditional Arts Community Projects grants fund projects that support the vitality of traditional arts and cultural communities in the mid-Atlantic region.
Non-profit organizations in DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, USVI, PR, or WV which seek to engage folk and traditional artists, practitioners, or culture bearers in community-based projects are eligible for funding in amounts from $1,000 to $7,000.
Deadline: June 6, 2023
Questions? Join us for an informational webinar on Wednesday, May 3 at 2pm. Sign up:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bLSIR4RfTkCqPWmtr9rujg
Learn more at: https://www.midatlanticarts.org/grants-programs/grants-for-organizations/-and-traditional-arts-community-projects-grants
NOW HIRING: CAH Curator
Application Deadline is Friday, April 28, 2023
The position is located in the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH). The mission of the DCCAH is to provide grants, programs and educational activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities, so that all District of Columbia residents and visitors can experience the rich culture of our city.
The purpose of this position is to provide the research, collection, and organization of on and offsite artwork/exhibits and provide support on all projects related to collection in whole or in part.
Full details here: https://dcarts.dc.gov/page/cah-curator
200 I (Eye) Street SE, Suite 1400
Washington D.C., DC
20003
| Monday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5:30pm |
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In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month and National Poetry Month, CAH will showcase five sets of FY21 jazz and poetry grantees. Tony Keith Jr. PhD and Barry Moton Luke Stewart and Freddie Dunn Jr. Rasheed Copeland, Noah Getz and Dwayne Lawson-Brown Michelle D.N. and Eliot Seppa Regie Cabico and Ethan Foote Hosted by Jeffery Tribble, Jr. Executive Director of The MusicianShip This online event is free and open to the public. Immediately following this event, please join us for an exclusive post-event discussion with our performers via Facebook Live! The Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) values and supports the right of freedom of expression. CAH provided no editorial direction to the performers and did not censor participating artists’ works. As such, we expressly understand that a segment of the performance may include expletives, sexual and/or other content that is intended for mature audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
DC Child and Family Services Agency
I Street SEDC Office of the Chief Technology Officer
I Street SEDistrict Department of Transportation
M Street SEFederal Highway Administration
New Jersey Avenue SEFederal Railroad Administration
New Jersey Avenue SEU.S. Department of Transportation
New Jersey Avenue SEFederal Transit Administration (FTA)
New Jersey Avenue SEData-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic S
New Jersey Avenue SE
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
Library of Congress/Adams
Department of Energy & Environment
1st Street NE
Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
G Street NW
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Pennsylvania Avenue NW
United States Conference of Mayors
I Street Nw 4th Floor
Washington Metropolitan Police Dept.
Indiana Avenue NW
Millennium Challenge Corporation - MCC
14th Street NW
House Committee on Education and Labor Republ
Rayburn House Office