Social Art and Culture

Social Art and Culture is a 501c (3) located in Historic Anacostia in Washington, DC. Social Art and Culture [SAAC] was founded in 2009 on the principle of using the arts to bring awareness of the challenges (and successes) of being an artisan who understands social responsibility.  SAAC has worked with numerous organizations on projects that have earned many honors.  Social Art and Culture (SAAC) mission is to use the power of the arts to educate and advance marginalized and underserved communities. SAAC's vision is to create an aperture for socially responsible artisans that collectively collaborate and participate in programs designed to reach neglected communities.

SAAC has a 3-prong strategy to drive social impact through our creative community and social impact partners for the communities we service. 1) Art becomes an integral part of the change for social causes for every initiative that we foster and participate in by offering an interactive user experience that celebrates and highlights its culture. 2) Design and execute programs that improve artists' and creators existing skills, resulting in an increase in opportunities in workforce development and build more profitable creative business; and 3)  collaborate with community based arts organizations and corporations focused on equity and inclusion of the creative economy on projects that show art as a change agent in that foster community engagement.

Programs

Media Arts Training Program with We Act Radio

Since 2014, this summer program has continued to afford underserved and unserviced youth [18-24 years] the opportunity to be exposed to a different brand of media and arts than the corporate-owned outlets provide for them for six weeks during the summer.

Creative Entrepreneur Capital Summit

In partnership with Think Local First DC, annually, we bring together creative entrepreneurs and business owners to discuss how they access capital using venture capitalist methods. Returns April 28, 2022

Initiatives

Black L.U.V. Festival 

The Black L.U.V. Festival (love.unity.vision.) has been held in Washington, DC, since 1997. Artists established the Black L.U.V. Festival in the historic U-street community devoted to social change and uplifting the entire DC creative community. This FREE one-day cultural outdoor family event uses the cultural arts as a vehicle for social change

Charnice Milton Community Bookstore Literacy Campaign + Bookstore

Named in honor of the slain journalist, whose murder is still an open case, this bookstore is being built to fill the 25-year void of a bookstore in Anacostia while addressing the 50% illiteracy rate in this community.

Past Special Collaborative Partnerships

Deanwood Grow

Deanwood GROW is a community and citizen-centered campaign that is turning up the spotlight on the artists and entrepreneurs in the creative and gig economy of historic Deanwood led by Guerrilla Arts Ink. Supported by the Department of Small and Local Business Development

OUR AWARDS + RECOGNITIONS 

• 2022 Facilities Grant - DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
• 2014, 2015, and 2018 East of the River Grant for Media Arts Training Program 
• 2016 Sponsor of First High School 48-Hour Film Project produced by Straight No Chaser Films and supported by The Humanities Council Office of Motion Picture and Television Development 
• 2013 DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Community Grant Recipient for The Black L.U.V. Festival 
• 2005 Mayor Arts Awards Finalist for Excellence in the Arts