Yesterday I was part of a discussion about artist live/work housing in DC, led by ARTSPACE, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating affordable space for the arts.
The H STREET PLAYHOUSE invited ARTSPACE to help investigate the potential to create an affordable, self-sustaining artist live/work project and to talk about the key elements that determine feasibility, including project concept, site selection, market need, funding and sustainability, and local leadership.
While the conversation was specific to the PLAYHOUSE, it touched on broader themes in affordable housing for artists. Artspace will produce a report from the visit and I will try to excerpt portions here - probably in mid-December.
About the H Street Playhouse
The home of resident companies Theater Alliance and Forum Theatre, the H Street Playhouse houses a 100-seat black box theater, rehearsal studio and Gallery H. Along with city officials, small business owners, and a few other theaters, the H Street Playhouse has been at the forefront of a movement that is now gathering steam to revitalize the historic H Street commercial corridor. More info - www.hstreetplayhouse.com
The Artspace Mission
Artspace’s mission is to create, foster, and preserve affordable space for artists and arts organizations. Artspace pursues this mission through development projects, asset management activities, consulting services, and community-building activities that serve artists and arts organizations of all disciplines, cultures, and economic circumstances. By creating this space, Artspace supports the continued professional growth of artists and enhances the cultural and economic vitality of the surrounding community. Find out more at www.artspace.org
