Social Art and Culture

Social Art and Culture has existed since 2009 as a small arts organization with a strong foundation in the community and the art scene. Located in Anacostia SE, DC, we have been able to sustain programs with a supportive board, loyal and consistent strategic partners, and external funding in arts education and art integrated learning. Social Art and Culture (SAAC) - is a 501c (3) whose mission is to use the power of the arts to educate and advance unserved and underserviced 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 is to drive social impact through our artists and 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) To design and execute programs that improve artists' existing skills, more than likely increases artists’ opportunities in workforce development and build a profitable creative business; and 3)  collaborate with master artists and arts organizations on projects that show art as a change agent in their communities and foster 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 October 21, 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