(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the appointment of Arthur Espinoza, Jr. as the new Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH), bringing nearly two decades of arts experience and leadership to this key position.
“I am so pleased that Arthur has joined our team to lead the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities,” said Mayor Bowser. “Arthur will help the District grow our creative economy, broaden access to the arts, and spur job growth.”
As Executive Director, Espinoza will spearhead efforts to promote and preserve arts in DC, support local artists and arts organizations, and grow the District’s creative economy.
Espinoza has served as Managing Director of The Washington Ballet since 2013 and began his tenure with the company in 2010. Before joining The Washington Ballet, Espinoza served as the Executive Director and Interim Artistic Director of a repertory theatre company and was the General Manager of Colorado Ballet from 1999-2010. He has worked with numerous performing arts organizations including the Milwaukee Ballet, Central City Opera, Canyon Concert Ballet, Fort Collins Children’s Theatre, Opera Fort Collins and OpenStage Theatre and Company and other producing companies, arts councils and economic development districts.
“The arts are a critical bridge to the District’s future,” said Espinoza. “They showcase our city’s unique talent and creativity. The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities plays a vital role to ensure that our arts community continues to flourish for the next generation. I am incredibly honored to be appointed as the new Executive Director.”
The announcement of Espinoza came at the 30th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards, the highest honors conferred by the District of Columbia in recognition of artistic excellence and service.
“The Commission is thrilled to have Arthur join our team,” said DCCAH Chair Kay Kendall. “His talents and passion will help advance Mayor Bowser’s mission to ensure residents in all 8 Wards have access to great art and artists have the support they need to thrive in our creative economy. I look forward to working with Arthur as we continue to build a world-class arts community in the District of Columbia.”
Since taking office, the Bowser Administration has announced several initiatives and programs to support the arts across the District. In May, “District Innovation Zones” (DIZ) were launched, a unique program to showcase local artists and spur innovation in the arts. The District also launched the Comprehensive Environmental Survey of Arts Resources (CESAR), a new geospatial web-based mapping tool that provides the public a comprehensive view of arts and cultural resources in the District, and which also informs future arts funding and investment opportunities by DCCAH. In September, Mayor Bowser announced a new Entertainment and Sports Arena on St. Elizabeths Campus in Ward 8. The new facility will generate significant expansion of arts, cultural, entertainment and civic amenities, including hosting over 90 events per year.