Washington, DC has officially launched its annual 202Creates festival, a month-long celebration showcasing the city’s diverse and talented creative community on August 29. Initiated in September 2016 under Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration, this event highlights local artists and creatives across all eight wards of the nation’s capital.
Throughout September, DC will host notable events such as Art All Night, the DC JazzFest, the H Street Festival, and DC Fashion Week. Other highlights include the DC Bike Ride, Dope Black Girls Brunch, Dress for Success DC’s Sustained 2.0, Dine All Night, The Creators Summit, and the Fiesta DC Festival.
The festivities started with a grand event hosted by the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME). The launch featured live performances from local favorites including Noochie, the Allure Band, and Heru The Violinist, alongside art installations and fashion displays. Veteran radio host Antonio the Cuban Cigar Smoker emceed the evening.
Following the grand opening is the DC Jazz Festival which will run from August 31 to the first day of the new month.
LaToya Foster, Director of OCTFME, highlighted 202Creates’ importance in celebrating local talent. “DC stands as a hub of cool, culture, and creativity,” Foster remarked, crediting Mayor Bowser’s support for creating an environment where the arts can thrive.
Mayor Bowser emphasized the vital role of the creative sector in DC’s cultural and economic landscape. “Washington, DC is a beacon of creativity,” she stated, “September is our moment to spotlight the artists who make our city dynamic and inspiring.” The Mayor underscored how the creative community infuses the city with energy and excitement, driving collective recovery and growth.
Since its inception, 202Creates has become integral to recognizing and promoting the diverse talents contributing to DC’s $13.8 billion creative economy. The initiative celebrates musicians, artists, filmmakers, and chefs who enhance the city’s cultural and economic vitality, reaffirming DC’s commitment to nurturing artistic growth and economic development.
The festival not only celebrates the city’s artistic achievements but also fosters a dynamic environment for creativity to flourish, solidifying DC’s status as a hub of innovation and artistic expression. Residents and visitors alike are invited to immerse themselves in the richness of DC’s creative scene, experiencing firsthand the talent and diversity that make the nation’s capital a true cultural beacon.
