D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 1404
1404.1 A key concept in this element is culture everywhere, which is an approach for inclusive development that makes use of the cultural facilities and civic infrastructure distributed across the District as anchors for community equity building. Civic infrastructure includes the networks of libraries and recreation centers that can offer space for cultural programming and presentation. Culture everywhere is a collective impact model in which government, funders, and community members align their resources to create and sustain extensive networks of cultural clusters and arts districts that serve communities across Washington, DC.
1404.2 Every community has its own cultural identity and cultural anchors. The District partners with place-based organizations, such as business improvement districts (BIDs), DC Main Streets, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs), and others to strengthen community-based networks of cultural spaces, organizations, and programming. By building up each community's cultural networks, Washington, DC gains a more inclusive cultural environment with more opportunities for cultural expression and experiences that is reflective of its diversity.
1404.3 Washington, DC encourages the development of community-oriented cultural clusters as an approach to expand the diversity of cultural practice while increasing residents' access to cultural opportunities. A key facet of the cultural clusters is shared-use cultural space, where performances are hosted in places of worship, restaurants, and stores.
1404.4 Additionally, the District is also committed to sustaining three centrally located legacy arts districts: the Downtown Arts District, the Uptown Arts District, and the H Street NE Arts District. These districts were established to leverage arts as a catalyst for revitalizing underfunded commercial areas. Today, these arts districts are home to many of Washington, DC's leading arts and cultural institutions that have forged the District's current cultural identity.
1404.5 Figure 14.1: Washington, DC's Cultural Geography
1404.6
Partner with cultural organizations and private sector cultural funders to create community-based networks that leverage civic infrastructure with programming and spaces that are inclusive of the cultural practices that are significant in each community. Examples include DC Commission on Arts and Humanities (CAH) programming and support from focused agencies that provide support and funding for events across the District, including the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs and the Mayor's Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Affairs.
1404.7
Seek opportunities to increase cultural use of civic infrastructure, such as libraries and recreation centers, through partnerships with cultural organizations.
See also the Community Services and Facilities Element for additional information on civic infrastructure.
1404.8 Policy AC-1.2.3: Expand Community-Oriented Cultural Programming Continue expanding community-oriented cultural programming through grants and programming partnerships.1404.9 Policy AC-1.2.4: Inclusion of Arts and Culture in Business Improvement Districts and DC Main Streets Support the inclusion of arts and cultural programming, facilities, and arts-supportive businesses as part of the District's neighborhood commercial revitalization programs.1404.10 Policy AC-1.2.5: Arts Districts Sustain the Downtown, H Street NE, and Uptown Arts Districts as the preeminent locations in Washington, DC for region-serving arts and cultural venues, including theaters, concert halls, galleries, and museums.1404.11 Policy AC-1.2.6: Support Arts and Cultural Clusters Support existing and emerging clusters of arts and cultural establishments through aligned public and private sector investments.1404.12 Policy AC-1.2.7: Mitigate Cultural Displacement Reinforce and elevate existing cultural anchors, practices, and traditions in communities undergoing significant demographic change. Such efforts should reflect the history and culture of established communities in these neighborhoods and also encourage new residents to respect and participate in this history and culture. In addition, support cross-cultural programming that fosters a shared understanding of Washington, DC's history and culture among all residents.See also the Housing Element for more information about displacement mitigation.1404.13 Action AC-1.2.A: Arts and Cultural Programming in Business Improvement Districts and DC Main Streets BIDs and DC Main Streets organizations should undertake arts and cultural programming when possible. These initiatives should reflect community identity, advance placemaking, and enhance commercial revitalization.1404.14 Action AC-1.2.B: Zones for Arts and Culture Ensure that the incentives in special zones for arts and culture are fulfilling their intent.1404.15 Action AC-1.2.C: Regulatory Process Support Explore new resources at permitting agencies that assist cultural creators and organizations navigate and successfully complete permitting processes. Resources
could include permitting process navigators, technical assistance programs, and event planning toolkits.
1404.16 Action AC-1.2.D: Art Galleries in Public Buildings Explore the feasibility of using lobbies and corridors of public buildings as museum-style art galleries that feature works by local artists. The assessment should include options for curation, as well as evening and weekend operating hours.
1404.17 Action AC-1.2.E: Cultural Space Partnerships Encourage shared space arrangements that facilitate cultural presentation in commercial spaces, such as restaurants and bookstores.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).