dc commission on the arts and humanities - 2011 annual report

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435876

Vincent C. GrayMayor of the District of Columbia

DCCommission

on the Arts &Humanities

AnnualReport

2011

THE NONPROFIT ARTS COMMUNITY IN WASHINGTON CONTRIBUTES OVER $746 MILLION EACH YEAR TO OUR LOCAL ECONOMY DRIVEN BY ABOUT 4 MILLION ATTENDEES TO ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS.

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FY2011TABLE OF CONTENTS

4. Letter from Chair

6. Commissioner & Staff

7. DC Poet Laureate

9. Introduction

10. 2011 Revenue

11. Ward Report

12. Grant Program & Grantees

16. Art Education

18. Public Art Commissioned Projects

20. PABC by ward

22. Event-Dance DC Festival

24. Larry Neal Writers’ Award

25. Poetry Out Loud

27. Acknowledgement

The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities was founded in August 1968 after it was mandated that the National Endowment for the Arts provide equal block grants to the official state arts agencies in each state. Since then, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities has been committed to fostering the abundance of creative talent here in Washington through grant funds, programs and educational activities.

This investment in arts and culture in our city has been returned many times over. In 2007, Americans for the Arts released a study showing that the nonprofit arts community in Washington contributes over $746 million each year to our local economy driven by about 4 million attendees to arts and culture events.

Because of our investment in the arts, it is no surprise that our city benefits from additional jobs, economic growth, and an attractive quality of life. Investing in arts and culture has also made Washington more attractive to young, talented professionals - establishing this city as a strong competitor in a 21st century economy.

This report highlights our commitment to arts, culture, and to the residents of D.C. We are proud of how far this city has traveled, and also how bright its future is.

Sincerely,

Judith Terra and Lionell Thomas

INVESTING IN ARTS AND CULTURE HAS ALSO MADE WASHINGTON MORE ATTRACTIVE TO YOUNG, TALENTED PROFESSIONALS - ESTABLISHING THIS CITY AS A STRONG COMPETITOR IN A 21ST CENTURY ECONOMY.

JUDITH TERRA

Chair

LIONELLTHOMAS

ExecutiveDirector4

“

“

LETTER FROM

CHAIR AND DIRECTOR

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2011 COMMISSIONERS

Judith Terra Chair Marvin Bowser Vice-Chair

Susan Clampitt Christopher Cowan Lou Hill Davidson Rebecca Fishman Rhona Wolfe Friedman Philippa Hughes Rogelio A. Maxwell Tendani Mpulubusi

Marsha Ralls Bernard L. Richardson Deborah M. Royster Michael Sonnenreich Gretchen B. Wharton Ian J. Williams Lavinia Wohlfarth

2011 STAFF

Moshe Adams, Director of Grants and Legislative Affairs

Ebony C. Blanks, Associate Grants Manager

Marybeth Brown, Outreach Coordinator

Tierra Buggs, Associate Grants Manager

Tim Conlon, Online Marketing Coordinator

Rachel Dickerson, Public Art Manager

Deirdre Ehlen, Public Art Coordinator

Kamau Hunter, Media Coordinator

Erin Jackson, Grants Program Assistant

Sharon Jeffries, Executive Assistant

Charlese Jennings, Receptionist

Yuyeon “Yuyu” Kim, Graphic Designer

Carlyn Madden, Arts Education Grants Manager

Steven Mazzola, Grants Program Manager

Carolyn Parker, Office Manager

Keona Pearson, Associate Grants Manager

Marquis Perkins, Director of Outreach and Communication

Ayris Scales, Interim Director (FY 2011)

Earica Simmons, Finance Manager

Zoma Wallace, Curator & Arts Collections Manager

Lionell Thomas, Executive Director

6 Photo | Issac Oboka

Washington, D.C. has a rich tradition of arts and culture. This city is the home to some of the nation’s oldest arts organizations, many of them still thriving today. The creative spirit is part of the very fabric that makes our city so remarkable.

Our creative spirit has also boosted our city’s recognition as the cultural capital of the United States. With over 17 million visitors to our city each year (most visiting our monuments and cultural institutions) and over $1.4 billion contributed to our local economy, the arts touch practically every industry in the District. The arts benefit restaurants, hospitality, transportation, parking and many more facets of our economy. In Washington, D.C., the arts make a difference. The arts are part of the fabric of who we are as a city. The arts affect where our residents live, play, how they entertain and how they are entertained.

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INTRODUCTION

1.4BILLIONArts contribution to our local economy

17MILLIONVisitors per year

$

FY2011 REVENUES

BUDGET AND FUNDING BREAKDOWN

One percent of city capital improvement project funds is set aside for the commission, purchase and installation of public artworks.

Funding transferred between District agencies to support joint projects and programs.

55%

10%

35%

TOTAL REVENUES: $7,811,300

Local Funding

$4,280,000

Federal Funding $816,300

Intra-district Funding $15,000

Capital Funding (rolls over to next year) $2,700,000

DCCAH received funding through the following channels:

Generated from D.C. taxpayer dollars. This provides support for the agency’s funding programs and general operations.

Provided by the National Endowment to support the arts in under-served communities and arts education.

Local Funding Federal Funding Intra-district Funding Capital Funding

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$3,994,403.53Totaling of 308

awards

9

12

3

4

56

7

$142K

$883K

12 Awardstotaling

71 Awardstotaling

$1.82M

$393K

$153K

$142K

$493K $108K

100 Awardstotaling

45 Awardstotaling

15 Awardstotaling

16Awardstotaling

38 Awardstotaling

11 Awardstotaling

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WARD REPORT

*ward #

Arts Education Program (AEP)

Arena StageAssane KonteCapitol Hill Art WorkshopCapoeiraDCChoral Arts Society of WashingtonCity Arts, Inc.City at Peace, IncCityDance EnsembleCommunity Help In Music Education (CHIME)DCScoresDuke Ellington School of the ArtsEast of the River Boys and Girls SteelbandExcel Academy Public Charter SchoolFestivals DC, LtdFolger Shakespeare LibraryFords’s Theatre SocietyFriendship Public Charter SchoolsGala Hispantic TheatreHung Tao Choy Mei Leadership InstituteInternational Child Art FoundationJoel BergnerJoy of Motion Dance Center, IncKevin ReeseLatin American Montessior Bilingual Public Charter SchoolLucy Ann JicklingMary Beth BowenNational Building MuseumPEN/Faulkner FoundationStep Afrika! USA, Inc.The Congressional ChorusThe Parkmont SchoolThe Patricia M. Sitar Center for the ArtsThe Phillips CollectionThe Selma M. Levine School of MusicThe Shakespeare TheatreThe Studio TheatreThe Theatre Lab School of Dramatic ArtsThe Washington National OperaThelonious Monk Institute of JazzThurgood Marshall AcademyTurning the PageWashington Bach ConsortWashington Performing Arts SocietyWashington Youth ChoirWords Beats & LifeYoung Playwright’s Theatre, Inc.

Artist Fellowship Program (AFP)

Adam DaviesAlexandra SilverthorneAlexis E. GillespieAnna U. Edholm DavisAsmara GhebremichaelAvish KhebrehzadehBarbara Josephs LiottaBrandon W. BlochColin WinterbottomEleanor WaltonErik SnadbergGediyon KifleJanis GoodmanJohn James AndersonJoshua CoganJudy A. SoutherlandKenneth GeorgeKhanh H. LeMata Perez GarciaMary J. EarlyMia FeuerMichael Dax lacovoneMichelle HermanMolly SpringfieldRik FreemanRuth StenstormScott G. BrooksTim TateVirginia N. Durrin

City Arts Projects (CAP)

Alexis E. GillespieArt Museum of the AmericasCapital Fringe Inc.Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh CompanyDance Institute of WashingtonDC Wheel Productions, Inc. (Dance Place)EdgeworksEl Teatro del Danza Comtemporance de El SalavadorFilm Odessey, Inc.FotoWeekDCGrupo dc Artistas LationamericanoInternational Arts and ArtistsJames Renwick AllianceJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsJoseph YoungLorton Art Program, Inc.Mexican Cultural InstituteMiriam’s Kitchen, IncMoving Forward: Contemp. American Dance CompanyOpera LafayettePost-Classical Ensemble, Inc.Rex WeilRuth StenstromSolas Nua, Inc.Step Afrika! USA, Inc.Teatro de la Luna (The Moon Theatre)The Choral Arts SocietyThe In Series, Inc.The Phillips CollectionThe Shakespeare TheatreThe Textile MuseumThe U Street Theatre Foundation, Inc.The VIP Group, Inc.The Washington National OperaTheater Alliance of WashingtonTrustees of the Corcoran Gallery of ArtWashington Bach ConsortWashington DC Jewish Community Center, IncWashington Performing Arts Society

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Supports programs and activities implemented during the school day, on-or-off-site, as well as in afterschool and summer programs.

Promotes large scale arts and humanities activities that engage the diverse communities of Washington, DC.

Supports individual artists who make a significant contribution to the arts and substantively impact the lives of DC residents through their artistic excellence.

GRANT PROGRAMS AND GRANTEES

Elders Learning

Through the Arts

(ELTA)

Folk & Traditional Arts Program

(FTA)

Audrey L. BrownCity Arts, Inc.IOMA Senior ServicesMomentum Dance TheatreTango MercurioThe Selma M. Levine School of MusicThe Washington Ballet

East of the River Program

(EOR)Cultural Facilities Projects

(CFP)

Arch Development CorporationBuilding Bridges Across the RiverEast of the River Boys and Girls SteelbandInterstages, Inc.Life Pieces To Masterpieces, IncPEN/Faulkner FoundationThe Corcoran Gallery of ArtThe Selma M. Levine School of Musicthe Washington BalletThurgood Marshall AcademyWard 7 Arts CollaborativeYoung Plyawrights Theater, Inc

Dance Institute of WashinghtonDC Wheel Productions, Inc.Ford’s Theatre SocietyJoy of Motion Dance Center, Inc.Mentors of Minorities in EducationThe Phillips CollectionThe Shakespeare TheatreThe Studio Theatre, Inc.The Textile MuseumThe U Street Theatre Foundation, Inc.Woolly Mammoth Theater Company

Brendan BellCapoeiraDCJoanne HensonTango MercurioThe Church of the Epiphany, DCThe Washington BalletWilma Consul

Festivals DC (FDC)

Chinatown Community Cultural Center, IncPan American Symphony OrchestraNational Building MuseumDC Blues Society, IncAmerican Turkish Association, IncDC Caribbean Carnibal, IncColumbia Heights Day IntiativeMaru Montero Dance CompanyBuilding Bridges Across the RiverCapital Fringe Inc.Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh CompanyDC Film AllianceFotoWeekDCFrench-american Cultural FoundationGrupo de Artistas LatinoamericanoJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing ArtsNational Cherry Blossom Festival Committee, IncShaw Main Streets, Inc.Washington Drama Society, Inc. 11

One-time capital funding support in the form of matching grants to help defray costs related to the improvement, expansion and rehabilitation of existing buildings owned or leased by nonprofit cultural institutions.

Support for arts presentations and programs that directly benefit residents living east of the anacostia river. Funding may include direct support for staff implementing activities.

Provides funding for artists and arts organizations practicing or supporting folk traditions.

Funds artists and arts organizations that provide programs that serve DC residents ages 60 and older.

Funds arts festivals or festivals with significant arts components that: encourage growth and promote awareness of quality arts activities, support local artists, stimulate economic benefits to the community, promote a sense of community identity, and make arts experiences accessible to District residents and visitors.

GRANT PROGRAMS AND GRANTEES

Grants-In-Aid (GIA)

Art EnablesAtlas Perfoming Arts CenterCapital Fringe Inc.Capital Hill Art WorkshopCapital Letters Writing CenterCity Arts, IncCity at Peace, IncCityDance EnsembleCultural Development Corporations of DCDc Film AllianceDC’s El Teatro dc Danza Comtemporance de El SalvadorEnvironmental Film Festival int he Nation’s CapitalFederal City Performing Arts Assoican, Inc.Fesivals DC, LtdFotoWeekDCFree Minds Book Club and Writing WorkshopFriends of FIlmore Arts CenterHamiltonian Artist, Inc.Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc.International Arts and ArtistJames Renwick AllianceJoy of Motion Dance Center, Inc.KanKouran West Afrrican Dance Co.Life Pieces To Masterpieces, Inc.Lorton Art PorgramMoving Forward: Contemporary Asian American dance CompanyMulti Media Training Institute, Inc.Opera LafayettePan American Symphony OrchestraPEN/Faulkner FoundationPost Classical EnsembleProvisions Learning ProjectSmith Farm Center for he Healing ArtsSolas Nua, IncTaffety Punk Theatre, IncThe Ellington FundThe In Series, Inc.The Patricia M. Sitar Center for the ArtsThe Selma M. Levine School of MusicThe Washington ChorusTransfomer, Inc.Washignton Project for the ArtsWashington DC Jewish Community Center, Inc.Washington Youth ChoirWashington, DC International Film Festival

General operating support for DC-based arts and humanities nonprofits.

Hip-Hop Community

Arts (HHCA)

African Continuum theatre CoalitionCentro NiaCityDance EnsembleFestivals DC, LtdHolly BassJoy of Motion Dance Center, Inc.Latin American Youth Center, Inc.Raising Expectations Inc.Simone JacobsonThe Patricia M. Sitar Center for the ArtsThe Studio Theatre, Inc.Truth HallWords Beats & Life

Funds artists and arts organizations that encourage the growth of quality Hip Hop arts activities and make Hip Hop arts experiences accessible to District residents.

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Public Art Building Communities (PABC)

Small Projects Program

(SPP) Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement DistrictCultural Development Corporation of DCHoward Theatre Restoration, Inc.Peter Waddell

Bruce McNeilCory OberndorferDance Institute of WashiingtonHello CraftJaia A. ThomasJared Lawrence RaglandKanKouran West African Dance Co.Kennth GeorgeMaida Withers Dance Construction CompanyMomentum Dance TheatreNew Tang Dynasty Group, Inc.Nicole AguirreRachel BeamerRaul Zahir De LeonRene Javier MoffattSufumar SrinivasanTango MercurioThe Art Connection in the Capital RegionThe Studio Theatre, IncThe Washington BalletWashington Bach ConsortWashington Project for the ArtsWoolly Mammoth Theater Company

Funds individuals and nonprofit organizations for the creation and installation of permanent public art projects with a life span of at least five years.

Provides funds to individual artists and arts organizations for small-scale arts projects with budgets under $4,000.

2011 ROSTER INDUCTEES

Upstart (UPS)

Young Artists Program(YAP)

Alex PergamentBen CrosieChajana denHarderElissa GoetschiusElizabeth Dawn DeRocheElizabeth MaestriElizbeth Egan TomberJessica T. SolomonJothnathan B. TuckerKatherine JordanMaureen Dolan-GalavizMaureen Elizabeth AndaryMicheline HealMichelle HermanPatrick McDonoughRobert PattersonShari HenrySimone JacobsonTommy BobbVijay PalapartyWilliam John BertWilliam Wytold Lebing

Capitol Movement, Inc.DC Creative Writing Workshop, Inc.Dc Film AlliancePrisons FoundationSolas Nua, Inc.Washington Concert Opera

Performing Artist RosterKeith WesbySonya Taylor

Teaching Artist RosterJoel BergnerLizabeth floodMarcie Wolf-Hubbard

Intensive capacity building program for DC-based arts and humanities nonprofits.

Funds individual artists between the ages of 18 to 30 through the Emerging Artist Program and Community Service Program.

13Grants Kick-offat Arena Stage | June 2011Photo | Tim Conlon

ARTS EDUCATION ARTS EDUCATION ARTS EDUCATION



“I believe arts education in music, theater, dance, and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface. They (children) have an enthusiasm for life a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training – training that prepares them to become confident young men and women.” – Richard W. Riley, Former US Secretary of Education

48Arts education grants were awarded grants out of 77 applicants

Photo | Dance Institute of Washington



ARTS EDUCATION

SYEP: Summer Youth Employment Program

Friday Fundamentals

The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities was a host agency for the Department of Employment Services’ (DOES) 2011 One City Summer Youth Employment Program which placed up to 63 creative youth with arts-focused job opportunities at local nonprofits to provide an enriching and constructive summer experiences. Of the 63 students placed, DCCAH retained 58, representing a 92 percent retention rate.

Youth were placed in internships to gain practical, hands-on experience in the offices of local cultural institutions including visual and performing arts and arts-based youth programs. Each week, each youth had an opportunity to attend a half-day workshop provided by DCCAH to build professional skill sets and experiences necessary to succeed in the creative economy.

DCCAH Worksites

The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities engaged a group of professional art nonprofit organizations to provide enriching and constructive internship experiences to D.C. youth, including:

DCCAH Offices Capital Fringe Festival City Arts City at Peace Guerilla Arts Free Minds Book Club FotoDC GALA Hispanic Theatre Theatre Lab

Each week, participants were invited to half-day trainings and field trips designed to build professional skill sets and experiences necessary for youth to be successful employees in the creative economy. The components were composed of field trips, site visits, hands-on workshops, trainings and assignments.

Youth Deliverables

Youth walked away from this experience with additional skill sets and knowledge about career potential in the creative sector, including, but not limited to trainings on customer service, resumé building, business presentations, social media marketing and marketable skills acquired during hands-on arts internships.

In addition, the Multi-Media Training Institute utilized SYEP participants to develop a media spot for DOES promotion purposes. A local nonprofit, Critical Exposure, worked with an SYEP cohort to teach youth empowerment through social media and photography. SYEP participants also learned the trade of art installation by working with the Critical Exposure photographs and curated an exhibition for DOES.

Training in customer service, resume-writing, social media marketing; panels conducted by artists, arts administrators, designers and media professionals to develop understanding of career prospects and pipelines;

Connections to college access programs to ensure educational advancement opportunities are clear; tours of local colleges and universities with programs and degrees in fields related to the creative economy such as communications, fine arts, dance, theater, fashion merchandising, graphic design, and interior design;

Workshop series on social media in the workplace, critiques of social media in today’s culture, tours of ABC and National Museum of African Art.

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PUBLIC ART

“From a Model to a Rainbow” (Picture on the right)

“Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium”

“Garage Corner & Vertical Elements”

A monumental-size mosaic mural, in cooperation with the Metro Art in Transit Program. The mural of multi-colored ceramic and glass tiles mounted on aluminum panels spans 400 square feet. It measures 14 feet high and 39 feet wide, and weighs 2,000 pounds. The artwork can be found at the station on the southern abutment wall along Cedar Street.

2011 Completed Commissioned Projects

These exciting projects showcase public art to the approximately 2.5 million patrons attending baseball games at Nationals Park each year. This places significant artworks in Center Field Plaza and along the main concourse, which adds to the texture of an up and coming and vibrantly diverse retail neighborhood.

A series of stainless steel “domes” ranging in size from 4 feet to 20 feet in diameter are bolted to the concrete face of the parking garage. Twenty domed structures accurately follow the theoretical model of the trajectory of a curving fastball pitch along the entire north elevation of the garage. Each dome is lit from within using LED fixtures. This installation commands the foreground of the parking garage facades, accentuate the corners of the garage to form the entry plaza, and say something of the lasting interest about the spirit of baseball.

Artists

Artists

Artists

Completion Date

Completion Date

Completion Date

Location

Location

Location

Sam Gilliam

Multiple See Below

Thomas Sayer

June 2011

April 2009 and April 2011

April 2011

Takoma Metro Station327 Cedar St., NW

Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium 1500 S Capitol St, SE

Raleigh, NC

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17Photo | Sam Kittner

Peter Waddell

COMPLETED 2011The funds supported a

historical mural in DuPont Circle showing its first two

mansions in the 1870’s with an architectural framing

device suggesting a theatre proscenium arch.

Grant Amount: $20,000.00

Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc

Installation April 2012The funds will support

a Jazz Man statue to replace the original

one that graced the roof of the Howard

Theatre. Grant Amount:

$60,000.00

Golden Triangle BID- Farragut Spheres

COMPLETED 2011Lighting and Sculptural Installation at Farragut

West Metro Station by DC Artist Michael Enn Sirvet. Grant Amount: $75,000.

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02

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04Projects by Ward

The Public Art Building Communities grant (PABC) is available to individual artists and organizations to create and install permanent or temporary public artwork that enhances District neighborhoods. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: sculpture, mosaics, artistic streetscape improvements, murals, paving patterns, video installations, custom benches, stained glass windows, artistic gates and railing, etc. Funding is available for all fees associated with the design, fabrication and installation of the artwork(s) including: artist fees, materials, insurance, engineering, shipping, fabrication and installation services, permits, copyright registration, and photographic documentation. Projects must have a lifespan of at least five (5) years.

Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement

District

Awarded Funding in 2011. Anticipated Installation, 2012.

The funds will support the use color and light to transform the New Jersey Avenue, SE

underpass into a gateway of water pylons.

PABC: Public Art Building Communities

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MuralsDC was initiated in 2007 by Ward One Council member Jim Graham as a way to combat the rising tide of illegal graffiti, to revitalize sites within the community and to teach young people the art of aerosol painting. MuralsDC engages the District’s youth by teaching proper art techniques, providing supplies, and a legal means to practice and perform their skill in a way that promotes respect for public and private property and community awareness. MuralsDC taps into their inherent interests and uplifting them by providing opportunity, mentoring, and hands on experiences.A partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW).

Artists, Teams and Organizations participating in the program are selected by a committee based on their capacity to instruct and execute work in the graffiti style and engage youth and community members in the creation of the murals. Each mural reflects the character, culture and history of the neighborhoods in the District. Mural site selection is based on areas of the District with high incidence of illegal graffiti as identified by DPW and other agencies.

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082.7MILLION

2011 Public Art Capital Budget

Cultural Development (“Sweet Mural”)

Latin American Youth Center

COMPLETED 2011The funds supported a two-dimensional comic strip style mural at 3 Tree Flats.Grant Amount: $37,688.00.

COMPLETED 2011Mural at Parkview Recreation center collected from oral histories collected North of Howard University. Grant Amount: $20,000.

2011 MURALS DC

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EVENTS

DANCE DC FESTIVALJuly 22-24, 2012

DCCAH hosted the 8th Annual Dance DC Festival - a festival which highlights folk traditions of the world through live music and dance. The free events were held in various locations through the District. In 2011, the DCCAH celebrated the many styles of hip-hop and its influences on other cultures around the world.

The festival commenced with Simply Marvin: Live at the Sugar Shack, a tribute to Washington, D.C. native, Marvin Gaye, at the Warner Theatre. The event explored the music of Marvin Gaye and its influence on hip-hop music through performances spanning instrumental, vocal and dance.

The closing event, Downtown Battleground, celebrated hip-hop’s beginnings as a means of creative expression for inner-city youth - usually at block parties. This was the birthplace of the hip-hop DJ, b-boy, rapper and graffiti artist. Over 1,000 people were treated to a performance by hip-hop legend, Doug E. Fresh along with live graffiti art demonstrations, b-boy battles and hours of music.

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FRIDAY JULY 22

Pre Festival Kick-Off!(Woodrow Wilson Plaza) 12:30-1:30 pmWords Beats & Life | Elizabeth AcevedoTrinity | Da Originalz

Simply Marvin: Live @ the Sugar Shack(The Warner Theater) 7:00-9:00 pmMiri Ben-Ari | Capital Movement | DB MVP’sDC Casineros | Jennie Jones | Eric RobersonLevi Stephens | Urban Artistry

SATURDAY JULY 23

Let’s Get Physical!: Workshop series (The Atlas Performing Arts Center) 12:00-3:00 pm

12pm- JOYISM Mobile Dance Lab1pm- Pontitango1pm- Words, Beats & Life-DJ Workshop2pm- Hip-Hop Dance Workshop by choreographer, Shontol Snider

Hand Dance Mania(National Portrait Gallery)2:00pm-3:00pmNational Hand Dance Association

DanceAsia 2011(The Atlas Performing Arts Center)5:00pm-6:00pm

Hip Hop in Film(The Atlas Performing Arts Center)8:00pm

SUNDAY JULY 24

Downtown Battleground(Chinatown - F St. btw 7th & 9th Sts, NW)4:00 - 8:00 pm

Doug E. Fresh | Rane | Lionz of Zion | Batala Washington | Da Originalz | Lyn Dancin ClubBlack Cobain | Mambo Sauce | E/U | Future ShockUp & Up | Beat Ya Feet Kings | Farafina KanEast of the River Steel Band | Urban Artistry

Photo | Jati Lindsay

Since 1981, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities has recognized and celebrated the literary accomplishments of the District’s resident writers through the Larry Neal Writer’s Awards. The honor commemorates the artistic legacy and vision of cultural understanding of Larry Neal (1937-1981), a renowned author, academic and former DCCAH executive director.

The DC Commission received more than 300 submissions from the local emerging andestablished writers. The award ceremony took place on Friday May 6, 2011 in the Folger Shakespeare Library’s Elizabethan Hall. Writer Deborah Eisenberg, 2011 winner of the prestigious PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, provided opening remarks.

Winners of the 28th Annual Larry Neal Writers’ Award

DRAMATIC WRITING

1st Miranda Rose Hall2nd Richard Herstek3rd Timothy Guillot

ESSAYS

Teen Awards1st Adera Toye McKinley Tech High School

2nd Stephanie Guzman School Without Walls High School

3rd Niya Watkins The Potomac School

Honorable Mention Enoch Ajayi McKinley Tech High School

Youth Awards1st Irina Benson Thompson Elementary School

2nd Daniel Freymann Lafayette Elementary School

3rd Claire Shaw Lafayette Elementary School

POETRY

Adult Awards1st E. Laura Golberg2nd Samuel Miranda3rd Patricia Gray

Teen Awards1st Cherrie Coachman Banneker High School

2nd Reginald Conway Ellington High School

3rd Robin Jones Ballou High School

Honorable Mention Nicandra Merchant Banneker High School

Youth Awards1st Sharri Barnes Hart Middle School

2nd Zachary Nachbar-Seckel Deal Middle School

3rd Zoe Zitner Lafayette Elementary School

FICTION

Adult Awards1st Tania Rachel James2nd William John Bert3rd Binahkaye Joy

Teen Awards1st Sarai Reed Ellington High School

2nd Zachary Clare Ellington High School

3rd Bria Bailey McKinley Tech High School

Honorable Mention Kehinde Dosunmu School Without Walls High School

Youth Awards1st Alexandra Heinrich Lafayette Elementary School

2nd Talia Zitner Lafayette Elementary School

3rd Sophie Weich Lafayette Elementary School

Larry Neal Writers’ Award

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Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by building on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the popularity of hip-hop music. Through Poetry Out Loud, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage.

On March 21st, Studio Theatre hosted the D.C. state finals for Poetry Out Loud where eight students participated at The Studio Theatre for the chance to compete at the national competition held in Washington, D.C. at the historic Lincoln Theatre. The theme was “Rhythm in Literature” hosted by local hip-hop artist, Black Cobain & DJ PrievoSpecial with guest performances by Elizabeth Acevedo, Luke Spring, Brandon Hill and Christopher Pree.

WASHINGTON, DC FINALS

First Place:Grey Butler Coolidge High School

Second Place:Chinwe Obodo Banneker High School

Third Place Jonathan Avila Cesar Chavez Public Charter School

Poetry Out Loud

Photo | Ryan Holloway

The ongoing goal of Hip-Hop Theater Festival (HHTF) is to elevate hip-hop theater into a widely recognized genre by empowering artists to develop new works and build coalitions with artists and institutions around the world. For a decade, Hip-Hop Theater Festival has showcased the stories, people, music, dance, and word of Hip-Hop live and on stage. All around the world HHTF is known as one of the most influential outlets showcasing Hip-Hop performing arts.

HHTF kicked off its tenth year of invigorating culture inaction from July 11th - 16th, presenting live, professionally executed theater written by and about the hip-hop generation. HHTF and its annual line-up of free and low cost events once again brought the best in local and international hip-hop culture, creating lasting and positive impacts on the Washington, D.C. community. The 2011 Hip-Hop Theater Festival launched on July 11th, with M3: MC’s, Mics & Metaphors [Re/Mixed], which explored the creative power of the lyricism and poetry of hip-hop music through visual imagery.

OKAYAFRICA, a concert and open dance workshop, brought on Maija Garcia, Associate Choreographer for Fela! on Broadway, and ONE dancer Rujeko Dumbutshena to lead dancers of all levels through a physical fusion of hip-hop and African dance. At the concert, acclaimed indie MC Tabi Bonney hosted and celebrated hip-hop’s new African Renaissance along with other artists who blended flavors and cultures from all over the world.

Now in its sixth year, the annual J Dilla Tribute & Fundraiser, as part of HHTF, paired a live band of D.C.’s most prolific musicians to reproduce some of legendary hip-hop producer, J Dilla’s, best work. J Dilla has been a key figure in the music industry as evidenced by his work with Common, D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, and Janet Jackson amongst others.

On July 13th and 14th at Arena Stage’s

Kogod Cradle, HHTF presented the stage production SEED, written by Radha Blank, a Public Theater Emerging Playwright Fellow, directed by Niegel Smith of Fela! SEED explores themes of abandonment, poverty, class differences, distrust and byproducts of the crack epidemic that swept through Harlem in the 1980’s and 90’s. It tells the story in a vibrant and exciting style, using rhythms and verses that are an integral part of hip-hop culture.

Word Becomes Flesh, a theater production stemming from Marc Bamuthi Joseph’s landmark solo work, now features new writing and direction. On July 15th and 16th at Dance Place, the talented collective Youth Speaks Living Word Project vets Khalil Anthony, Daveed Diggs, Dahlak Brathwaite, Dion Decibels, BenTurner, Mike Turner and B. Yung delivered a series of performed letters, spanning a nine-month period through spoken word, dance, DJing and visuals, reflecting a young single father’s thoughts and emotions in anticipation of an unborn son.

Hip-Hop Theater Festival

OKAYAFRICA: Hip-Hop from the African Diaspora

Word Becomes Flesh

On May 14, 1999, native Washingtonian Dolores Kendrick was named the second Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia. Ms. Kendrick authored the award-winning poetry book The Women of Plums, published in 1989. A musical CD based on the book was released in 1996, winning rave reviews from music critics nationally. Ms. Kendrick hosts a variety of events annually to raise awarence and respect for the art of poetry in the District. For Black History Month in February 2010, she hosted a day of African-American poetry for the community to engage with famed local and national literary activists at her Poet in Progress (PIP) event. Additionally, Ms. Kendrick’s Young Champion Poets Program enhances the creativity and vision of DC’s energetic young poets by providing opportunities for them to write and perform original poetry. Her recent readings include the Celebration for Lucille Clifton, held at James Madison University in Richmond, VA. She also continues to work on her Aix-en-Provence program, developing poetry exchanges between French and American students.

DOLORES KENDRICK

This exhibition first appeared at Flashpoint Gallery in 2010 and received critical acclaim. M3, remixed by Simone Jacobson and Tewodross Melchishua uniquely for the 14th Street Busboys and Poets, gathered a group of emerging artists from around the country, each responding to the theme of the MC (Emcee, or Master of Ceremonies) or simply a favorite hip-hop verse or song.

Presented by Words, Beats & Life, All Ways Rocking,and Lionz of Zion in association with HHTF, Freshest of All Time is D.C.’s largest b-boy jam celebrating one of the cornerstones of hip-hop culture – the Battle. In FY 2010, the Freshest event attracted over 800 people. The event has featured some of the most prominent cdance rews from D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia, Boston and New York including the DynamicRockers, Evade and Meen 187, Flying Fists from the Floor, Rhythm Fetish, Beat Whacks, The Wild Ones, Mystery Meat, Breakfamous, Killa Groove, Blackout Crew, Lionz of Zion, Vaz and Rawned, and Problems Crew.

Poet Laureate of the District of Columbia

The Freshest of All Time

DCCAH Mission

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Photo | Sam Kittner

Our Mission is to provide grant funds, 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.

DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities1371 Harvard St, NW Washington, DC 20009202.724.5613 | 202.724.4493dcarts.dc.gov | art202.com

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435876

Vincent C. GrayMayor of the District of Columbia

DCCommission

on the Arts &Humanities

AnnualReport

2011

dc commission on the arts and humanities - 2011 annual report

Documents

director of grants

official state arts

culture events

equal block grants

art education

century economy

city benefits

local economy