Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents the Encore Program

The 36th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards is an inclusive celebration for District residents of all 8 Wards honoring the city’s vibrant creative community and patrons of the arts and humanities.

KEY DATES

June 7, 2021
Nomination Round Opened

June 28, 2021
Nomination Round Closed

July 6, 2021
Voting Opened

July 27, 2021

Voting Closed

Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents

APPLY HERE

ABOUT ENCORE

The Encore Program engages and supports DC’s creative community by funding creative events in all 4 quadrants of the District of Columbia. The purpose of the Encore program is to employ and invest in local talent, event producers, entrepreneurs, creatives, content makers, and District businesses that help sustain the creative economy in Washington, DC and contribute to the vibrancy of our great city.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

If you missed the previous information sessions, you can access the PowerPoint displayed during each session by clicking here.

For all other inquiries, contact encore@dc.gov and a member of our team will get back to you.

CLICK HERE FOR PRESENTATION

INFORMATION SESSIONS

“If you missed the previous information sessions, you can access the PowerPoint displayed during each session by clicking here.

For all other inquiries, contact encore@dc.gov and a member of our team will get back to you.

CLICK HERE FOR PRESENTATION

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Applicant must be a DC-based business or a District resident if a sole proprietor

• Applicant must be one of the following: event producer, event promoter, talent/entertainer, content creator, marketing/event firm, or a business in the creative industry that can show proof of past events produced (can include businesses in culinary arts, cosmetology, or other creative industry)

• All proposed events must be open to the public

• Applicant must demonstrate experience in executing proposed event.
• Providing details of past events produced
• Video or marketing materials of past events or demonstrations

• All proposed events must take place by September 30, 2022

• All proposed events must take place at one of the participating venues in the Encore Program

HOW WILL ENCORE RECIPIENTS BE SELECTED?

Eligible Encore applicants will be selected via an equitable and inclusive lottery process:

• Once the application period has ended, all eligible applicants will be placed in a lottery pool to determine recipients of The Encore Program

• A representative will contact selected recipients to connect with the venue to coordinate event logistics and date availability

APPLY HERE

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO APPLY?

APPLY HERE

ACTIVE DC BUSINESS LICENSE OR PROOF OF DISTRICT RESIDENCY

Business activity in the District requires owners/operators to be licensed according to the business activity conducted. If applicant is a sole proprietor, applicant must provide proof of District residency.

Click here to request

PROOF OF NEGATIVE IMPACT ON BUSINESS MARCH 2020-PRESENT

Must provide proof of negative impact on business from March 2020 to present. Supporting documentation accepted:
• Business financial statements
• Business closure notice
• Previous event cancellation

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EVENT

• Event description
• Projected event capacity
• Artistic event focus
• List of any proposed event restrictions
• Event time:
• Start time
• End time
• Load-in/out time

PROOF OF THREE (3) PAST LIVE EVENTS

Details of past events should include but not limited to:
• Event details
• Marketing assets
• Websites
• Video of past events or demonstrations

CERTIFICATE OF CLEAN HANDS

If applicant is selected, applicant must provide a Certificate of Clean Hands. he District of Columbia “Clean Hands” mandate (D.C. Code § 47-2862) stipulates that individuals and businesses are to be denied City goods or services (e.g. licenses, permits, grants, contracts) if there is a debt owed to the District of Columbia of more than $100 for fees, fines, taxes, or penalties; and/or failure to file required District tax returns.

HOW TO APPLY

• The application period will open on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 and close on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 5:00 PM

• Applications MUST be submitted via the online portal

• Applications submitted by email, incomplete applications, and applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted

APPLY HERE

VENUES

Encore Programs will take place across all four quadrants.

H STREET FESTIVAL

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER

MINNESOTA/

BENNING ROAD

SANDLOT

ANACOSTIA

STARBURST PLAZA

THE WHARF

ABOUT ENCORE

◦ The Encore Program will engage and support DC’s creative community by funding creative events in all 4 quadrants of the District of Columbia.

◦ The purpose of the Encore program is to employ and invest in local talent, producers, entrepreneurs, creatives, District businesses, and entrepreneurs that sustain the creative industries in Washington, DC and contribute to the vibrancy of our great city.

◦ The Encore Program is a $900K investment to subsidize the cost of event production at 6 venues in DC. The venues will collectively host 15 Encore events in FY2022.

◦ Eligibility is determined through an equitable and inclusive application process followed by a lottery system to select recipients.

ABOUT ENCORE

◦ The Encore Program will engage and support DC’s creative community by funding creative events in all 4 quadrants of the District of Columbia.

◦ The purpose of the Encore program is to employ and invest in local talent, producers, entrepreneurs, creatives, District businesses, and entrepreneurs that sustain the creative industries in Washington, DC and contribute to the vibrancy of our great city.

◦ The Encore Program is a $900K investment to subsidize the cost of event production at 6 venues in DC. The venues will collectively host 15 Encore events in FY2022.

◦ Eligibility is determined through an equitable and inclusive application process followed by a lottery system to select recipients.

APPLICATIONS OPEN JANUARY 31

VENUES

H STREET FESTIVAL

JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER

MINNESOTA/BENNING ROAD

SANDLOT ANACOSTIA

STARBURST PLAZA

THE WHARF

VENUES

Through the Encore Program, local DC talent will have the opportunity to develop and produce a subsidized live performance event, demonstration, or showcase. All proposed events must be open to the public and take place by Friday, September 30, 2022. Participating venues include:

APPLY HERE

KENNEDY CENTER - OUTDOOR AREAS | WARD 2

STARBURST PLAZA - H STREET | WARD 5

THE WHARF | WARD 6

EAST RIVER PARK SHOPPING CENTER | WARD 7

SANDLOT ANACOSTIA | WARD 8

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When do applications open?
Applications open Tuesday, April 26, 2022

When do applications close?
Applications close Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 5:00 PM

When are information sessions?
Information sessions will be held:
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 12: 00 PM and 5:00 PM

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FAQ'S

APPLY HERE

WHERE CAN I FIND ASSISTANCE?

For technical assistance regarding your application, contact:

The Encore Team at encore@dc.gov

APPLY HERE

For language translation assistance, contact:

Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs
Contact Phone: (202) 671-2825

Mayor’s Office on African Affairs
Contact Phone: (202) 727-5634

Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
Contact Phone: (202) 727-3120

Department on Disability Services
Applicants who are hearing or vision impaired

E-mail: dds@dc.gov

Contact Phone: (202) 730 - 1700

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

COVID-19 Safety

Masks are required as a part of Mayor Bowser's most recent Mask Guidance. Due to COVID safety restrictions, venue capacity is limited. For the latest safety guidance from District government, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.

Accessiblity

Sign language interpreters and ADA-compliant entrances will be available. For reasonable accommodations, please call us at (202) 671-0066.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Nomination Round - CLOSED
June 7, 2021 at 9:00am EST - June 28, 2021 at 5:00pm EST

Voting Round - CLOSED
July 6, 2021 at 9:00am EST - July 27, 2021 at 5:00pm EST

Previous Mayor's Arts Awards winners within the past five years are not eligible to be nominated. Click here for a list of previous winners.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARTS EDUCATION

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE AS A COMMUNITY ARTS ADVOCATE

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE HUMANITIES

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA ARTS

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE NIGHTLIFE ECONOMY

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMING ARTS

AWARD FOR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN VISUAL ARTS

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN YOUTH CREATIVITY

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FASHION AND BEAUTY INDUSTRIES

EMERGING CREATIVE AWARD

LARRY NEAL WRITER'S AWARD

MAYOR'S ARTS AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED HONOR*

*Recipient selected by the Mayor.

HOST TBA

PERFORMER

performer

LET'S CELEBRATE OUR DC CREATIVES

September 28, 2021 at 7:00pm

RSVP

#MAYORSARTSAWARDSDC

#CREATIVEAFFAIRSDC
#202CREATES

#DCMayorsArtsAwards #202Creates #CreativeAffairsDC

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