In a milestone celebration, the 40th annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, held Sept. 25 at the National Theatre in Northwest D.C., not only highlights the achievements of this year’s nominees, but emphasizes the District’s longtime efforts to uplift local arts, artists and creative culture.
District Mayor Muriel Bowser — who LaToya Foster, director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), often calls “MB” — is furthering a tradition started by a late, legendary D.C. politician with her same initials.
“It was Marion Barry that started the Mayor’s Arts Awards 40 years ago,” Foster said in a press call on Sept. 18. “Marion Barry believed in the arts and the role it plays in the life of the District of Columbia.”
This year’s event is set to occur during 202Creates Month, a time that the Bowser administration has set aside to recognize the artistic achievements of D.C. residents while showcasing the District as “the Capital of Creativity, a place where artists can prosper.
Local leaders, including Bowser, have said the creative economy generated $15 billion for the city, as of 2024. Further, the creative economy fuels jobs, innovation and tourism, according to city leaders.
Foster, who served as the communications director for Barry when he was the Ward 8 D.C. Council member from 2011-2014, said her late boss was intentional in aiding the city’s arts community, and appreciates Bowser’s continued dedication to local artists not only through the awards, but also 202Creates and 202Creates Con 2025.
“The creative economy in Washington, D.C. employs residents, attracts investment, diversifies our economy, and strengthens the vibrancy of our city,” said Bowser in a September press release. “And 202Creates Month is a celebration of the important role artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators play in telling the story of our beautiful and creative city.”
What to Expect: First Year at the National, Performances, Surprises
Foster said she is excited the mayor and OCTFME are excited to bring the milestone celebration to a new venue, with this year being the first time the awards will be held at the National Theatre, the oldest continuously operating theatre in the District and the second oldest in the country.
“We decided to bring the event downtown,” she said in an OCTFME press release.
Residents have had the chance to vote across multiple categories giving them the opportunity to select their choices for recognition in the arts, culture and creative industries, and nominees will learn if they are big winners on Sept. 25 for the 6 p.m. awards show.
Performers at the event will include Grammy-nominated recording artist Eric Roberson, noted soprano Symone Harcum, revered go-go infusion band Black Alley and Chris Styles as the DJ.
There will also be a special guest appearance by legendary radio and television broadcaster Donnie Simpson.
“We will have other surprise guests too,” said Foster.
The event, which includes a pre-awards red carpet, is traditionally black-tie and is considered a high-level production that is welcome to all.
“Tickets are free,” she said. “The mayor wants this event to be available to anyone who wants to attend.”
With the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference going on the same week of the awards, Foster said the event planners and District leaders hoped this would be an opportunity to showcase the District’s creative culture to many.
“We know a lot of people will be in town,” Foster said, “and we want them to stop by the Mayor’s Art Awards and see what talents D.C. has to offer.”
D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large), chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, looks forward to people getting to see the nuances of the District, beyond the monuments and tourist attractions.
As the event celebrates 40 years, McDuffie, a native Washingtonian, also emphasized the Mayor’s Arts Awards ability to be a stimulant to the local economy.
“The arts are an important part of our local economy,” the council member said. “When a lot of people who don’t live in the city come to D.C., they think of the museum and the Mall, but there is so much more. The Mayor’s Arts Awards will give people a chance to see another D.C. and especially see our young people exhibit their talents.”