FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 8, 2023
CONTACT:
Charlene Louis (DSLBD) – (202) 578-2063; [email protected]
The Bowser Administration Announces First "Owly" Artist Competition for the 2023 Art All Night Festival
(Washington, DC) - The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) proudly presents the inaugural "Owly" Artist Competition as part of Mayor Muriel Bowser's highly anticipated 12th Annual Art All Night. This exciting competition invites talented artists based in the District to create original artworks that embody the event's theme, focusing on capturing the essence of the Art All Night Owl and its connection to the vibrant urban landscape of the District.
"On behalf of Mayor Bowser, we are thrilled to launch the new Owly Artist Competition as part of this year's Art All Night festival," said DSLBD Director Kristi Whitfield. "This competition not only celebrates the incredible talents of our District-based artists but also reinforces our commitment to supporting local businesses. We believe that fostering this symbiotic relationship between artists and local entrepreneurs is essential for the growth and vitality of our creative ecosystem. We encourage all artists to participate and look forward to witnessing the transformative power of art in our neighborhoods."
The competition will select finalists, each of whom will receive the following exciting opportunities:
- Finalists, as identified by DSLBD, will receive a $500 stipend.
- Showcase their submission and art at the prestigious 2023 Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) Rammy Awards.
- Recognition and exposure on the official Art All Night website.
- Special recognition of their work during the 2023 Art All Night Festival.
The Owly Competition is now open, and interested artists must submit their entries by 2:00 PM on June 26th, 2023, to be considered.
Art All Night is a unique and engaging free festival held annually in September, showcasing music, visual, literary, and performing arts by hundreds of new, emerging, and established local artists across all eight wards of the District. This year, the overnight arts extravaganza will take place on September 29th and 30th. The festival will activate Main Streets corridors, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) areas, and D.C. public libraries in all eight wards, ensuring widespread access and enjoyment. Additionally, the festival attracts foot traffic to small and local businesses, contributing to increased sales compared to a typical weekend night.
For more details on the competition, including the complete set of rules and regulations, imaging guidelines, and the online submission portal, please visit www.dcartallnight.org.
If you are interested in participating in the 2023 Art All Night Festival, we encourage you to explore the website for further information.
About DSLBD: The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) supports the development, economic growth, and retention of District-based businesses to create a diverse and vibrant economy. For more information, visit www.dslbd.dc.gov.
###