Since its launch in September 2016, 202Creates has evolved into one of the District’s most anticipated annual events during which the City amplifies, celebrates and highlights its multi-billion-dollar creative economy.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, at the Eaton Hotel, Mayor Muriel Bowser will kick off the month-long celebration that will include D.C.’s musicians, performing and visual artists, filmmakers and tech, culinary, cosmetology and fashion entrepreneurs.
During the kickoff, Bowser will share details about this year’s Mayor’s Arts Awards, slated for November, while also encouraging residents from among the creative and artistic community to apply for a seat on the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
“We have so much creative talent in Washington, DC, and we look forward to celebrating and recognizing that talent throughout 202Creates and at this year’s Mayor’s Arts Awards,” Bowser said. “Every year, 202Creates is one of the most exciting celebrations in our city — a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the artists, makers and entrepreneurs who keep DC creative.”
The month-long campaign showcases and engages the District’s entrepreneurial and creative community through an array of events taking place across all eight wards. This year, it will spotlight two creative milestones for the District: the new fall class for the 202Creates Residency Program and the second anniversary of the DC Radio Network.
The 202Creates Residency Program, launched by OCTFME in the fall of 2018, will welcome 36 new creative entrepreneurs from all eight wards for its fourth class, consisting of photographers, media makers, filmmakers, visual artists, musicians, small business entrepreneurs, designer, and more.
The celebration of DC Radio 96.3HD4 will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19 at the Union District Oyster Bar and Lounge, featuring hosts from DC Radio programs, national recording artists, special guests and other DC creatives. The station is housed and managed by OCTFME in partnership with WHUR Radio, features programming on government resources, news, emergency updates, community affairs, education, current events, arts, music and entertainment.
Angie M. Gates, who serves as the director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment [OCTFME], says from culinary initiatives to the H Street Festival (Sept. 21) and the Washington Film Festival (Sept. 23-29), there will be something for everyone.
“Chuck Brown Day a few weeks ago served as a prelude to the month-long celebration of 202Creates and we had a huge crowd of residents with their children who had a great time,” Gates said. “That was just the beginning and we encourage everyone from the Greater Washington Area to come out and have good time.”
“202Creates, more than anything else, illustrates the diversity of our creatives here in the District that make us standout as one of the nation’s best cities in which to live, work and play,” she said. “We realized when we started 202Creates in 2016, that one month isn’t long enough but dedicating an entire month served as a great beginning. We believe that it will grow even more as the future continues.”
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Like to congratulate Angie Gates friend from New Orleans Louisiana
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