At the launch of 202Creates Month on August 29 at Planet Word Museum, Mayor Muriel Bowser outlined her vision for Washington, D.C., to be recognized not only as the nation’s capital but also as the country’s most vibrant entertainment hub.
“Arts, culture, film and entertainment, and sports are such a big part of our economic growth agenda because they bring people together, they get people excited…and they generate even more pride in our city,” Bowser said.
Now in her 10th year as mayor, Bowser has consistently emphasized the importance of diversifying D.C.’s economy beyond federal government reliance. With potential cuts in the federal workforce looming, she has leaned into strengthening the city’s creative economy, alongside tech, sports, and arts industries.
The results are striking: D.C.’s creative economy generated $2.6 billion in 2016 and now brings in nearly $15.9 billion, according to city data. Bowser noted that the sector not only drives revenue but also provides jobs, attracts investment, and fuels the city’s cultural vibrancy.
Highlighting the District’s array of professional sports teams—including the return of the Washington Commanders by 2030—Bowser declared that D.C. is both the “Sports Capital” and the “Capital of Creativity.”
“The creative economy in Washington, D.C. employs residents, attracts investment, diversifies our economy and strengthens the vibrancy of our city,” she said.
202Creates Expands with Inaugural Conference and Annual Awards
Launched in 2016, 202Creates has become a cornerstone of D.C.’s effort to support artists and strengthen its creative economy. Spearheaded by Mayor Muriel Bowser in collaboration with the D.C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), the initiative has grown into a monthlong celebration each September, now known as 202Creates Month. The event shines a spotlight on the creative talent and industries fueling the District’s cultural and economic growth.
This year introduced the first-ever 202Creates Con, held August 29, featuring fireside chats, panels, immersive activations, live performances, and networking opportunities for local creatives and industry stakeholders. The new conference added depth to the month’s programming by focusing on growth, sustainability, and building a strong entertainment infrastructure in Washington, D.C.
The celebration continues with the annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, scheduled for September 25, which remains the hallmark event of 202Creates Month.
Mayor Bowser praised the growing impact of the initiative: “202Creates Month is a celebration of the important role artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators play in telling the story of our beautiful and creative city.”
LaToya Foster, director of OCTFME, underscored its economic importance: “202Creates is a strategic economic driver that powers our city’s identity as the creative capital and as an innovative economy. This year’s inaugural 202Creates Con focused on growth, building a sustainable entertainment infrastructure, and attracting new business to our world-class city.”
‘Atlanta Is Atlanta, D.C. Is D.C.’
For decades, the entertainment industry was synonymous with California—Hollywood, Burbank, and Universal City—or with New York’s Broadway and famed theater district. But over the last 20 years, Atlanta, Georgia, has carved out a place as one of the nation’s leading entertainment hubs.
Home to Tyler Perry Studios, Trilith Studios, and numerous independent operations, Atlanta has become a powerhouse for film and television production. Major projects such as Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, and the latest Superman film were produced in and around the city, alongside a thriving music scene, live venues, and cultural festivals.
Still, D.C. leaders argue the nation’s capital offers something no other city can.
“There is only one D.C.,” said LaToya Foster, director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. “We are the capital of the world. We are expanding our economy, making it more diverse. This is not just a government town anymore.”
John Gibson III, vice president for public affairs and industry relations at the Motion Picture Association, echoed that sentiment, stressing the city’s cultural depth and legacy.
“Before there was Atlanta, there was D.C.,” Gibson said. “We were the original Chocolate City. We are also the capital of the world.”
The Next Steps to Becoming an Entertainment Hub
Building on D.C.’s cultural momentum, city officials are looking at policy and financial incentives to further attract the entertainment industry. Herbert Niles, associate director for the film division of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), said his role is to make the District more appealing to production companies—particularly Black-owned firms.
“I focus on the business and the production side of the industry,” Niles told The Informer. “I stress to film companies, especially Black film companies, that they can stay here and do their work, and they don’t have to go to Atlanta or New York.”
At the center of this effort is the D.C. Film, Television and Entertainment Rebate Fund, designed to encourage production in the District. The program supports live events, film, television, digital, and interactive media projects while also incentivizing infrastructure development and local hiring.
Rebates range from 10% to 35%, depending on the category. For example, production companies can receive up to 35% back on qualified local expenditures subject to taxation, while non-resident cast and crew expenses may be eligible for up to 10%.
Niles believes expanding these incentives could be a game-changer: “The D.C. Council should increase the tax incentives for film companies to come here.”
Beyond financial benefits, he said, fostering strong industry relationships is key. “You have to build those relationships. We also connect local businesses with production companies. The people who work in those companies will need to go to the cleaners, eat at restaurants.”
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