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You Gotta Leave DC to Get Love? Rethinking Infrastructure for Black Music in the Nation’s Capital (Panel & Talk Back)
The DC Music Summit’s project “You Gotta Leave DC to Get Love” will engage with the Kennedy Center’s Social Impact program to confront and challenge a common perception in Washington, D.C.—that local artists must leave the city to find success. This collaboration will continue the DCMS project focusing on capturing the voices and stories of those creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for D.C.-based musicians. Through interviews with artists and industry professionals, DCMS will highlight challenges caused by limited resources, gentrification, and systemic discrimination and celebrate community-led solutions that foster resilience and sustainable careers.
DC Music Summit & DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Present in Celebration of Black Music Month
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A full-day (or multi-day) annual gathering that brings together artists, music professionals, and creatives for panels, workshops, conversations, performances, and community networking. The Summit serves as a flagship convening for the DC and broader DMV music ecosystem.
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Educational sessions led by industry experts, covering topics such as music business, licensing, marketing, contracts, publishing, artistry, branding, revenue streams, wellness, and sustainability for creative careers.
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Connecting creatives with professionals in law, marketing, business development, finance, production, and technology who offer guidance, coaching, and mentorship—often at low or pro-bono cost—to help artists advance their goals.
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Creating spaces both virtual and in-person for artists, entrepreneurs, and industry members to connect, collaborate, and exchange resources. DCMS fosters community through mixers, Village Calls, Convenings, and ongoing engagement opportunities.
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Providing multiple platforms that uplift, celebrate, and amplify artists. DCMS offers performance opportunities at the annual Summit and partner events, while also highlighting creatives year-round through digital features, interviews, social media spotlights, newsletter stories, curated playlists, and other visibility initiatives that elevate local talent.
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ORAL HISTORY SERIES
You Gotta Leave DC to Get Love? Rethinking Infrastructure for Black Music in the Nation’s Capital (Panel & Talk Back)
The DC Music Summit’s project “You Gotta Leave DC to Get Love” will engage with the Kennedy Center’s Social Impact program to confront and challenge a common perception in Washington, D.C.—that local artists must leave the city to find success. This collaboration will continue the DCMS project focusing on capturing the voices and stories of those creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for D.C.-based musicians. Through interviews with artists and industry professionals, DCMS will highlight challenges caused by limited resources, gentrification, and systemic discrimination and celebrate community-led solutions that foster resilience and sustainable careers.
DC Music Summit & DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Present in Celebration of Black Music Month
