This column is sponsored by Arlington Arts/Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
What can you do with a retail space in a prominent location between tenants? Activate it with arts and culture! LOOK: An Unexpected Arts Experience will transform the former Walgreen’s on Langston Boulevard with a pop-up gallery featuring interactive works, live music and dance performances, and inclusive creative experiences. Rossana Coffee will have beverages and concessions available, and the cash bar is run by another Arlington favorite, Northside Social. LOOK occurs on three consecutive weekends: Friday through Sunday, Feb. 20–22; Feb. 27–March 1 and March 6–8.
Presented by the Langston Boulevard Alliance, the activation is made possible by a Creative Placemaking Grant, a one-time grant offered by Arlington Arts. Additional support comes from Patron Sponsors Amazon and Rooney Properties.
Opening weekend features a concert by DC-based vocalist Cecily (Friday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.), who many may remember from Rosslyn Jazz Fest in 2024. Art opportunities throughout the weekend range from a community mosaic to a silk-screening workshop. You can create Tiny Art with the Free Little Art Gallery (Saturday, 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.); or try Spice Blending 101 (Saturday, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.). Other performers include the band Neighborhood Watch, Common Magic Improv, Encore Theater Sidewalk Stroll, Super Art Fight and Small Creatures Dance Project.
A unique one-time grant opportunity offered through Arlington Cultural Affairs Division, the Creative Placemaking grant was an opportunity to foster partnerships between artists and communities. The goal was to fund distinctive and impactful arts and culture projects with the potential to attract people to Arlington’s commercial areas, encouraging meaningful interactions with residents, workers and visitors. By creating or activating spaces for shared arts and cultural experiences, the winning projects were those that foster a deeper connection to the community, encouraged a sense of belonging and pride in Arlington, and strengthened the arts ecosystem.
The new Arlington Arts grant cycle is launching this Spring. Visit the grants webpage and find out how we can help spark your creativity!
Get detailed info on LOOK: An Unexpected Arts Experience at 3130 Langston Blvd., Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 20–22; February 27–March 1 and March 6–8.
