A once-abandoned movie theater complex in Northeast DC reopened in 2006 as the Atlas Performing Arts Center, a creative space and equitable home for artists and audiences to explore the ideas and issues of our time. Welcoming over 60,000 individuals annually, its affordable and innovative programming recognizes not only artistic excellence, but also artistic power in affecting economic development and transforming community. Their annual INTERSECTIONS Festival is a platform for 300+ artists to showcase unique performance events, while the Atlas Arts Lab supports artists in creating new works that engage with the community. Arts for Young Audiences and the City at Peace program, which helps youth explore social justice and conflict resolution, further inspire a new generation of performing artists. Alongside their Resident Arts partners, Atlas provides $1.8 million of free and reduced cost arts-based programs each year. Applause, please.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 6
Where They Operate: DC-Ward 6; Near Northeast in Washington, DC; Capitol Hill in Washington, DC
Age Groups Served: All
Population(s) Served: All
Schools They Work In: Maury Elementary School; Miner Elementary School; Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School; Two Rivers Public Charter School; J.O. Wilson Elementary School
Awards & Recognition
Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts - September 2012
Award of Merit from the Mid-Atlantic Construction magazine – 2007
Best rehab/renovation/reuse project award from the Washington Business Journal – 2006
Historic landmark designation by DC HPRB/SHPO – October 24, 2002
Press
- Atlas showcases cutting-edge music with 'Irreverence'
Sun Oct 21 2012, The Washington Post
Is Atlas Performing Arts Center is becoming the city's center for cutting edge music?
- Atlas grows and adds more jazz, New Music and theater for the youngest audience
Tue May 15 2012, The Washington Post
Atlas Performing Arts Center announces its 2012-2013 season
- Live Review: Ambrose Akinmusire's vigorous serenity at the Atlas Performing Arts Center
Thu May 10 2012, Capital Bob
Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire performed at the Atlas as part of its Jazz at the Atlas series.
- INTERSECTIONS: A New America Arts Festival
Thu Mar 8 2012, The Washington Informer
This year, the three-weekend festival, which opened the latter part of February and runs through March 11th.
- Intersections Festival at the Atlas features 700 performers
Sat Feb 25 2012, DC Theatre Scene
This year, the giant festival, which opened this weekend, has been expanded to 12 days to include 700 artists creating over 100 events.
Budget (FY2023)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for Atlas Performing Arts Center is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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