Our Mission
Fostering underrepresented Artists in every discipline.
Every great work of art begins with the freedom to experiment. Our two galleries and black box theatre give local artists in every discipline the space, support, and resources to bring ambitious new work to life.
Explore Upcoming Events
Our Mission
Fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline.
Every great work of art begins with the freedom to experiment. Our two galleries and black box theatre give local artists in every discipline the space, support, and resources to bring ambitious new work to life.
Explore Upcoming Events
Featured Events
Our Mission
Fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline.
Every great work of art begins with the freedom to experiment. Our two galleries and black box theatre give local artists in every discipline the space, support, and resources to bring ambitious new work to life.
Explore Upcoming Events
What’s Happening
This Week at DCAC
From contemporary exhibitions and live theatre to comedy, poetry, workshops, and artist talks, discover what's happening this week at The DC Arts Center.
What’s Happening
More to discover.
More to experience.
There's always something new taking shape at The DC Arts Center. Check back soon for more exhibitions, performances, workshops, and events.
Join Our Community
Become an
Artist Member
Join other local artists shaping DC’s cultural future while supporting one of the only institutions in DC dedicated to fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline.
Learn More
Free use of our galleries and black box theatre
Free participation and priority placement in WallMountables
Free workshops and special events
Increased commissions on all artwork sales when in our gallery
Waived application fees for exhibitions and opportunities
and so much more!
Join Our Community
Become an Artist Member
Join other local artists shaping DC’s cultural future while supporting one of the only institutions in DC dedicated to fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline.
Learn More
Free use of our galleries and black box theatre
Free participation & priority access to WallMountables
Free workshops & events
Free admission to our monthly Poetry Series
Higher commission on sales
Waived application fees for exhibitions & programs
Join Our Community
Become an
Artist Member
Join other local artists shaping DC’s cultural future while supporting one of the only institutions in DC dedicated to fostering underrepresented artists in every discipline.
Learn More
Free use of our galleries and black box theatre
Free participation & priority access to WallMountables
Free workshops & events
Free admission to our monthly Poetry Series
Higher commission on sales
Waived application fees for exhibitions & programs
and so much more!
Membership
WallMountables 2026 Registration Now Live!
WallMountables is one of D.C.’s largest open community art exhibitions! During WallMountables, we transform our gallery walls into a grid of 2’ × 2’ squares. Anyone can purchase as many squares as they’d like and display whatever artwork they want. Because this event regularly sells out, Artist Members can register before anyone else, which guarantees participation and premium square placement! While simply showing your work is exciting enough, there’s always the chance that your work sells, too! As an Artist Member, you get 2 free squares (a $100 value)—that’s half the cost of your membership right there! Plus, you get a suite of other benefits, including free access to our gallery and theatre space and waived application fees all year long!
Press
Stitches, Scars, and Survival: Mending Takes Center Stage at The DC Arts Center
Walking up 18th Street in Adams Morgan, you often wonder about the spaces on the second floor of the buildings lining the sidewalks. Beyond the popular storefronts and restaurants, what lies above? Apartments, offices, maybe a vacant space waiting to be filled. But on February 13, two banners flow over the roof to the second floor of 2438 18th St. NW, catching the eye of many a pedestrian. Backlit by the glow of yellow windows, they read: “WE MEND IN END TIMES.”
There’s no check-in at the top of the narrow staircase that ejects curious passersby into the center of a wide room. Rather than a traditional information desk, you feel as though you are entering a treehouse on a ladder through a hole in the floor. Classic white walls and exposed brick are typical to a traditional gallery, but the experience is anything but traditional. The art is not encased in ornate frames from a bygone era; rather, the textile art pieces physically overflow onto the light hardwood floors. The lighting design serves as the frames, with spotlights throwing pools of light around the array of projects on the walls.
Annual Report
Explore our FY24 Annual Report
We’re thrilled to invite you to explore The DC Arts Center’s first-ever public annual report. This vibrant look back at the past year highlights the creativity, determination, and community that fuel our mission. Inside, you'll find stories of groundbreaking performances, riveting exhibitions, profound educational initiatives, and the invaluable support of our community that made it all possible.
Join us as we share the milestones that have shaped our journey and the impact The DC Arts Center has on the community here in Adams Morgan and the city at large. Dive into the report and see how your support continues to inspire and empower local artistry.