Earlier this year, local arts incubator, ReCreative Spaces set up a visual, performing, and culinary arts studio at 1613 Rhode Island Avenue, NE.
Poetry slam workshops, early childhood creative movement, dance based fitness and hip-hop classes are only a few of the programs offered by ReCreative Spaces when they aren’t booked out for private rentals or gallery openings.
The organization formed in 2014, headed by dancer Emily Arden Eakland and photographer John Munge Kagia with an aim to strengthen the strategic development of neighborhoods by incorporating art and creativity in community growth. This is evident with their ability to transform local vacant spaces into vibrant studios which are then made available to the public for many uses, from dance and DJ classes to art galleries and exhibitions. ReCreative Spaces is currently using Menkiti Group’s commercial property at 1613 Rhode Island Ave NE, offering programs for different audiences, extending through May 2015.
2014 saw ReCreative Spaces successfully opening their first space in the Michigan Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with less than $2,000 in initial crowd-funding support, allowing them to turn an empty storefront at 2003 Bunker Hill Road NE into a hub of creativity.
Development of Rhode Island Avenue
In an effort to build on their on-going work of neighborhood and community development, ReCreative Spaces recently announced their new initiative – (Up) Rising Festival 2015, in partnership with Rhode Island Ave NE Main Street. This two-day free festival along the Rhode Island Avenue NE Main Street corridor aims to celebrate community engagement through arts, with the inclusion of curated visual and performing arts programming. This choose-your-own-art-adventure weaves through vacant properties and established businesses between the 1600-2400 blocks of Rhode Island Ave NE.
Participants will engage with, or actively observe, curated art installations and multi-faceted performances. Participating artists share a revolutionary vision and engage festival-goers through heart, mind, body, and ideals.
To learn more about ReCreative Spaces, the (Up)Rising Festival 2015 and their monthly events, visit: http://recreativespaces.com/
