by intern Sakura Buker
Photo credit: Sakura Buker & 7News
The nation’s capital celebrated its vibrant creative ecosystem as the inaugural 202Creates Con transformed Planet Word Museum into a hub of artistic energy and economic opportunity. The one-day experience focused on creative power, economic impact and entertainment in the nation’s capital, marking the official launch of the city’s ninth annual 202Creates Month.
202Creates Con kicked off with rousing speeches by Mayor Muriel Bowser and LaToya Foster of D.C’s Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment. Since its inception in 2016, 202Creates strives to strengthen the infrastructure that supports D.C’s creatives. Mayor Bowser’s vision for a D.C where creatives have the ability to “live, work, make money right here in the nation’s capital,” as the Mayor noted in her opening speech.
The event, held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Planet Word Museum on 13th Street NW, offered an impressive lineup of programming designed to connect, educate, and inspire D.C.’s creative community. Attendees enjoyed panels, fireside chats, live performance, expert panels, art in action, networking opportunities and more – all free and open to the general public.
Hollywood on the Potomac had the chance to sit it on a panel lead by Ms. Foster. Championing the city’s thriving cultural landscape while advancing its creative economy, Foster has been instrumental in positioning the District as a premier destination for creative industries.
LaToya Foster & Muriel Bowser – Photo courtesy of 7News
The first panel of the day included John Gibson III, Vice-President of Public Affairs & Industry relations at the Motion Picture Association, Renata Colbert, Director of Government Affairs at the Motion Picture Association, and Herbert Niles, Deputy Director, Film Division of the OCTFME, in discussion with Foster about the importance of strengthening D.C’s creative economy through film. On bringing television and film productions to D.C, Herbert Niles commented, “It’s extremely important to Mayor Bowser and Director Foster to tell all our stories.”
The choice of Planet Word Museum as the venue proved particularly fitting for an event celebrating creativity and cultural expression. Graced with grand windows, intricate ironwork, and lofty ceilings, the landmark Franklin School, home of Planet Word, is a uniquely stunning venue that embodies the intersection of historic preservation and contemporary innovation that defines much of D.C.’s creative landscape.
This conference represents a significant evolution for 202Creates Month, which has grown from a simple celebration into a citywide tradition, spotlighting the diverse talents and industries that fuel the District’s creative economy. The expansion into a dedicated conference format demonstrates Mayor Bowser’s administration’s recognition of the creative sector’s economic importance and potential for growth.
The timing of 202Creates Con also carries special significance as the creative community navigates ongoing challenges in the post-pandemic landscape. With art on full display, and music echoing through Planet Word’s great halls, 202Creates Con could spotlight the District and what it has to offer as both a cultural destination and a place where creative professionals can build sustainable careers. As attendees networked throughout the day and absorbed insights from industry experts, the message was clear: Washington, D.C. is positioning itself not just as the seat of political power, but as a dynamic creative capital where artists, filmmakers, musicians, and other cultural entrepreneurs can find both inspiration and economic opportunity.
The success of this event signals that 202Creates Con may well become an annual tradition, further cementing the District’s reputation as a city where creativity and commerce intersect in meaningful ways.
Slider photo courtesy of 7News
