DCAC History

The District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC) is located at 2438 18th Street in Adams Morgan, one of Washington's most culturally diverse neighborhoods. Facing eroding support for artists from local arts organizations, several arts leaders decided in 1989 to establish an alternative center that would serve local artists. The space for DCAC, donated rent-free by local arts supporter Herb White, originally consisted of two railroad-type upstairs apartments and a former garage that had to be entered from the alley.

The new Center would focus on local artists in a space that would be more than just a gallery for new work. Renovations completed in 1993 included gutting the apartments to create the gallery and offices, and providing access to the garage through the gallery, thus creating the theater.

Since its inception, DCAC has received local, national and international reviews for visual and performing arts. Over 100 visual arts exhibitions and 500 performance events have illustrated the need for DCAC. Poets, painters, actors, storytellers, sculptors, performance artists have been drawn to the Center from as close as around the corner and as far as from around the world.

Over fifteen years of building its reputation as a dynamic and eclectic arts center has given DCAC a firm foundation to continue and expand its support of new and emerging artists.

Today the Center is the hub of alternative arts activity in Washington. It is the first rung on the ladder to a professional arts career, a meeting place for ideas and visions, and a source of strength and encouragement for artists as well as audiences. As uncertain as the future of arts support may be, DCAC is prepared and eager to meet the challenges of the next ten years and more.

DCAC Remembers Founder and Patron Herb White
On Friday, June 8, 2007, Herb White passed away at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC at the age of 71. He is survived by his family and all the many friends who loved him.
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