Section 10-A1403. AC-1.1 EXPANDING NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL FACILITIES

 

1403.1In the last few years, the District has made great strides in preserving, rehabilitating, and expanding arts facilities. In 2005 the GALA Hispanic Theatre moved into the newly refurbished Tivoli Theatre and the Woolly Mammoth Theater opened the doors of its first permanent home - a new 265-seat, courtyard-style theater in the heart of Downtown Washington. Even with the addition of such notable facilities, however, current supply may not meet demand. The city faces a persistent need for the retention and further development of affordable neighborhood arts facilities. A directed program of facility development, maintenance, and expansion is needed to foster a more stable arts community. 1403.1

 

1403.2Policy AC-1.1.1: Enhancement of Existing Facilities

 

Preserve and enhance existing District-owned neighborhood arts and cultural spaces. Assist in the improvement of arts organizations’ facilities in order to enhance the quality and quantity of arts offerings. 1403.2

 

1403.3Policy AC-1.1.2: Development of New Cultural Facilities

 

Develop new neighborhood cultural facilities across the District, providing affordable space for grass roots and community arts organizations. Provide technical and financial assistance to organizations to help plan and build such facilities. 1403.3

 

1403.4Policy AC-1.1.3: Distribution of Facilities

 

Promote improved geographic distribution of arts and cultural facilities, including development of arts facilities and venues east of the Anacostia River and in other parts of the city where they are in short supply today. 1403.4

 

1403.5Policy AC-1.1.4: Cultural and Artistic Diversity

 

Ensure that neighborhood cultural facilities accommodate a wide variety of arts disciplines, cultures, individuals and organizations. Facilities should also accommodate the special needs of seniors and persons with disabilities. 1403.5

 

1403.6Policy AC-1.1.5: Siting of Facilities

 

Support the siting of arts facilities in locations where impacts upon nearby uses can be most easily managed. Give preference to locations near public transit, or sites where shared parking facilities are available. Conversely, ensure that appropriate parking and transit access improvements are made when arts and cultural venues are developed. 1403.6

 

1403.7Policy AC-1.1.6: Performance and Events in Non-Traditional Settings

 

Encourage the provision of spaces for performances and art events in neighborhood parks, community centers, schools, transit stations, residential developments and public areas in private development. This can help reach new audiences and increase access to the arts for people in all parts of the city. 1403.7

 

1403.8Policy AC-1.1.7: Inclusion of Arts in DC Main Streets

 

Support the inclusion of arts and cultural facilities and arts-supportive businesses as part of the city’s neighborhood commercial revitalization programs. 1403.8

 

1403.9Policy AC-1.1.8: Using District-Owned Facilities

 

Encourage the shared-use of District-owned facilities such as public schools, libraries, and recreation centers by artists and arts organizations. 1403.9

 

1403.10Action AC-1.1.A: Including Arts Spaces in Public Construction

 

Consider regulatory changes that would encourage the provision of space for the arts in new and refurbished public buildings. Examples of such provisions would be the design of plazas so that they can be used as performance spaces or gallery lighting of lobbies so they can be used as exhibition space. 1403.10

 

The tendency of cultural activities to cluster together is born out of the energy and excitement that is generated when there is more than one activity occurring in a limited area.

 

1403.11Action AC-1.1.B: Theaters East of the River

 

Pursue development of additional arts and cultural establishments, including theaters and cinemas, east of the Anacostia River. 1403.11

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.