Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) are kicking off the 10th annual 202Creates Month, a month-long celebration highlighting the artists, musicians, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and other creatives who contribute to the District’s cultural and economic landscape.
Throughout September, 202Creates will feature programming across music, film, television, fashion, food, theater, visual arts, entrepreneurship and other creative industries.
“People who know D.C., know that we are an arts city. We want more people to understand that part of our story, and that’s part of the reason we launched 202Creates in 2016,” Bowser said. “Over the past decade, it’s grown into a tremendous celebration of DC arts and culture, a month-long celebration with something for everyone.”
Since its launch in 2016, 202Creates has expanded from a month-long celebration into a year-round platform supporting the people, businesses that make Washington, D.C., a creative hub. The District’s creative economy now generates roughly $15 billion.
“202Creates started with a simple but powerful idea: D.C.’s creators deserve to be seen, supported and connected to opportunity,” said LaToya Foster, OCTFME director and D.C. Film Commissioner. “Ten years later, that commitment extends across an entire creative ecosystem, from filmmakers and musicians to designers, writers, performers, entrepreneurs, venues, and creative businesses.”
The anniversary comes during a significant year for the District’s arts and culture scene, which also marks the 15th year of Art All Night and the 50th anniversary of go-go.
Art All Night, one of 202Creates’ signature events, will return Sept. 11-12, transforming neighborhoods across all eight wards with visual art, live music, dance, film, fashion, installations and interactive experiences.
Its focus on local businesses has also made it an opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with residents and visitors throughout the city.
“[This event] is important because they’re highlighting Black businesses in Southeast D.C., and [especially in] Ward 8 where they say that we can’t do this,” Rosalind Gallmon, owner of The Soy Chick, told The Informer during the 2025 Art All Night.
As a vendor at last year’s Art All Night, Ramzy Richardson, co-founder of Back to Nature, also touted the benefits of the annual gathering.
“It opens up the doors and possibilities for all young business owners, small business owners and people trying to make it in this industry, and in this life,” he told The Informer.
For Foster, the 10th anniversary is both a reflection of the program’s growth and an opportunity to expand access to the creative economy for future generations.
“We are celebrating what we have built together,” Foster said, “while continuing to create pathways for the next generation of D.C. talent.”
