You Gotta Leave DC to Get Love

Explores the long-standing belief that artists and music professionals must leave Washington, DC to achieve sustainability, visibility, or career growth. Through conversation with artists, organizers, cultural leaders, and ecosystem builders, this panel examines the structural gaps impacting Black music communities, from venues and funding to ownership, education, policy, and access to opportunity. Presented by DC Music Summit, the discussion asks what a thriving local music ecosystem could look like and highlights pathways toward stronger infrastructure, cultural preservation, and year-round support for creatives through initiatives including the DCMS Member Portal