Creative Suitland – a new arts hub in Suitland – is hosting its grand opening soiree this weekend and all are invited! At this new “arts-based community development strategy” the organization will “include existing residents and businesses in defining the cultural and creative spirit of greater Suitland area.”
Photo courtesy of Joe’s Movement Emporium
This weekend’s grand opening event will feature Thrive Market (with dance and fitness demonstrations, live performance, and natural, handmade local products) as well as performances by Substantial (hip hop artist), Deborah Bond (vocalist), Ni Dembaya African Drum & Dance Ensemble, Black Picasso (poet) and Carolyn Malachi (vocalist). More information on Creative Suitland and its grand opening weekend below!
Grand Opening of Creative Suitland
In partnership with the Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County (the Revenue Authority), Joe’s Movement Emporium (Joe’s) announces the Grand Opening Weekend of the Creative Suitland Arts Center Valentine’s Day 2020. Weekend events including a ribbon cutting ceremony, Thrive Market featuring local vendors and performance showcase that will allow the public to tour the theater, studios, arts education classrooms, and meet artist partners.
Arts, Culture, Community
This project will be the second arts center in Prince George’s County for Joe’s. All events take place at the new center located at 4719 Silver Hill Road Suitland, MD. A free RSVP is requested for the ribbon cutting, Thrive Market, and performance showcase and can be made online at https://creativesuitland.org.
History of Creative Suitland
Joe’s was approached by the Revenue Authority late 2017 to research and develop plans for an empty storefront on Silver Hill Road. Joe’s proven track record of working with a community to strengthen artist stakeholders and arts organizations within a geographical area made the organization an ideal candidate to reimagine, revitalize and maximize the use of the vacant space to best benefit locals. Joe’s role in the creation of the Gateway Arts District and the Art Lives Here initiative have positioned the organization’s staff as experts in the field of creative placemaking.
New Arts Hub in Southern Prince George’s County
Since January 2018 Joe’s has worked with community stakeholders, local officials, and the neighborhoods of Suitland, Forestville, Silver Hill, District Heights, Capitol Heights, Camp Springs, Marlow Heights, Hillcrest Heights, Temple Hills, and Coral Hills areas to find community artists, assets, and areas in need of improvement. The team collected data to recognize critical community issues and assess the community’s self-identified needs.
Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County Executive Director Peter Shapiro shared, “the team is doing a great job with this space, more than I could have ever imaged.”
Patrick Washington, aka blackpicasso, Dialect Prince George’s, one of the first Artist Partners remarks, “Creative Suitland has been unwavering in its dedication and support of artists in our community. I have seen firsthand the immense potential of the space and the programs that will bring our community together. I envision Creative Suitland to be a safe space for youth expression, and I will support this by encouraging various after school poetry, drama & creative writing clubs.”
More About Creative Suitland
Creative Suitland is an arts-based community development strategy to include existing residents and businesses in defining the cultural and creative spirit of Suitland. Through collaboration, community will be invited to choose programs, exhibits, public art, performance series, and murals to showcase the talents and perspectives of local
artists and cultural groups. The planning process will define the local creative industry to offer support and opportunity. The outcome desired is a cultural identity to reinforce connection and belonging to the shared spaces of Suitland, to nurture small business, to enhance the local creative industry, and to build a stronger arts audience.
For more information about Creative Suitland visit creativesuitland.org/about.
(via Joe’s Movement Emporium. Photo courtesy of Joe’s Movement Emporium.)
***
[…] Creative Suitland Grand Opening #ShopLocal and Participate in Salsa, Yoga, Tap, Hand Dance, Theater, and Textile Art demos from our beloved Artist Partners! When: 1-5pm Where: 4719 Silver Hill Road, Suitland Cost: Free! (Register here) […]