Arrow is a creative community that collaborates to produce and present a free arts spectacular. Participation is open to all, from recognized artists to undiscovered talents, who work in a variety of arts forms. In partnership with the development community, Arrow transforms unused building space into a playground for expression, serves as a catalyst for community growth in up-and-coming neighborhoods, and helps to grow the creative economy.
Arrow was originally conceived as a way to break down the geographical and social segmentation of the arts scene, to bring art directly to the public and to build cohesion among artists. Arrow provides a forum for all of our area's artists to convene, perform and exhibit, strengthening the visibility, cohesion and marketplace of the arts community.
Arrow began in 1999 in the historic Manhattan Laundry building in Washington, D.C. A dozen or so artists originally toured the empty building and within a month, 350 artists had cleaned, lit, painted and colonized its 100,000 square feet. Over 20,000 visitors attended the first Arrow over six weeks.
From there, Arrow grew organically as buildings were made available to Arrow by community developers. Music and performance of all kinds were added. In 2000, 665 artists exhibited and 200 performed at the old Hechinger’s building; more than 1,000 artists and performers took part in 2002 at the Southwest Waterfront and even more in 2004 at the former Capitol Children’s Museum in Northeast. Arrow was held in Virginia for the first time in 2007, occupying a former Patent and Trademark Office space in Crystal City, Arlington. It drew over 40,000 visitors.
In 2008, Arrow was held in the NoMa neighborhood in Washington, D.C., attracting a record-breaking 52,500 visitors, more than any previous Arrow event. In all, about 1,540 individual artists took part in Arrow 2008 — also a new high. The total included 740 visual artists — such as painters, sculptors and photographers — who showed thousands of artworks. The event also included individual 800 performing artists, such as dancers, poets, theatre groups, drummers, comedians, fire troupes and musicians. Attractions incuded a full line-up of educational and children's events and an on-site tattoo parlor.
In 2009, Arrow expanded its reach beyond its single event with the Art of Change ball, held to celebrate the 2009 inauguration, and the Luck of the Draw, a Valentine's weekend art event. Arrow's main 2009 event will be held May 29-July 5 at Half Street’s 55 M Street, S.E., in D.C.'s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. This will be our 10th anniversary Arrow, and our seventh main event.
Arrow is organic; there are no juries or curators. In addition to the Board of Directors, a Steering Committee works to produce the event and ensure the broadest possible artistic representation from the D.C. metropolitan area.
Emerging and established artists have the chance to work with and learn from one another. The diversity of artwork and performances attract the broadest range of people, providing a forum to build institutional connections; linking public and private schools, universities, community development organizations, human service organizations, corporations, foundations, and cultural organizations. Artists, organizations and visitors come together and illustrate the energy, vitality and strength of the arts to impact the community.
Visit: Arrow would be impossible without a constant stream of visitors, so stop by often! The floors are constantly changing and evolving and there’s always a new event going on, so each visit should be a new experience. Arrow also depends on the creativity of its visitors and we encourage you to come make something, perform, whatever. Bring supplies and a collaborative attitude and plan to join in on the fun. MORE INFO »
Volunteer: Volunteers execute every task, from hauling trash and building exhibit structures to maintaining the Web site. As a result, the event draws artists and visitors of different races, cultural backgrounds, ages and experience levels. Volunteers are welcome -- even if you are not an artist. If you have time to help us organize or a talent you'd like to share, let us know. We need people with a range of skills, including marketing, media, event planning and just plain organization. Everyone is welcome and volunteers are needed year-round. EMAIL US »
Donate: The nonprofit Arrow organization is headed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.EMAIL US»
