Although people won’t get to engage with local artists i as in years past, the virtual edition of D.C.’s Art All Night is from Sept. 13-26. (Courtesy Photo)
By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. Editor
mgreen@afro.com
As has been the tradition since it started in Shaw 11 years ago, Washingtonians will be treated to free art installations, educational experiences and performances for about two weeks through D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Art All Night, and although this year it can’t happen in person, the virtual edition will take place Sept. 13-26, and will feature a host of local artists, workshops and shows that underscore the thriving arts community and talent in the District of Columbia.
“Each year, the District’s rich culture and diverse artistic community comes together to host a one-of-a-kind arts festival that brings empowering experiences for all ages,” said Mayor Bowser. “This year, our virtual celebration will showcase the unifying power of art, even in these unprecedented times.”
Although Art All Night is modeled after Paris’ “Nuit Blanche,” the annual arts celebration has taken on its own personality and expectations in D.C.
The Sundays through Thursdays of the two weeks will feature promotional events, activations and workshops. The promotional events will be organized by themes that include: health and wellness, culinary arts, fine arts, fashion and retail, date night and kid-friendly activities, streamed from unique areas throughout the District of Columbia.
On Friday and Saturday nights (Sept. 18, 19, 25 and 26), local artists will perform for a two-hour virtual event that will end with headlining D.C. staples such as pianist and soul singer Aaron Abernathy, the Go-Go band TakeOvaBand, also known as TOB, Grammy-nominated progressive Hip-Hop artist Christylez Bacon and the CPU Conga Players.
Art All Night is presented by the District’s Main Streets programs, along with the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) as well as the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH). Through the Main Streets program, Art All Night hopes to “promote and facilitate connections between businesses in key corridors across the city,” according to the event’s press release. In addition, ten of D.C.’s Main Streets have created marketplaces to assist Washingtonians to connect with local artists and businesses online.
“The District’s annual Art All Night festival has always highlighted the District’s diverse culture while showcasing the unique intersections of arts and business throughout our commercial corridors,” said DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield. “Nothing stops our District businesses and for that reason in a year of canceled events we knew that this one was too important to miss.”
