The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) has announced the unanimous approval of its FY2027-30 Strategic Plan, following an eight-month development process involving various stakeholders. This plan aims to provide a clear direction for CAH's support of the District's creative ecosystem. The Commission will now proceed with developing an Action Plan to implement the strategies outlined.
In addition to the strategic plan, CAH is actively seeking public input on its newly drafted 2027 Public Arts Work Plan, a one-year tactical strategy for the Public Arts Team. Two community input sessions are scheduled for Thursday, September 3rd: a virtual session from Noon to 1:30 pm and an in-person session from 4 to 5:30 pm. Karyn Miller, CAH Public Arts Manager, is available for questions regarding the plan.
The Commission also invites the public to the "DC Art Now 2026" opening reception on Thursday, September 10, from 6 to 8 pm at its Eye Street Gallery. This event celebrates the finalists for the FY27 Art Bank Program, offering attendees a chance to meet artists and experience diverse art forms including photography, sculpture, painting, printmaking, and textiles.
Grant applicants for FY27 Requests for Applications are reminded that notifications regarding award intentions, ineligibility, or denial will be issued on or after October 1, 2026, with the exception of the Arts and Humanities Fellowship Program, which will notify applicants in November. CAH encourages all FY27 grant applicants to complete a survey to provide feedback on the application process.
The next Full Commission regular meeting is set for Monday, September 28, at 5:30 pm ET, where FY27 funding recommendations will be presented and voted upon. The public can observe the meeting live online and may request to speak during the public comment period by Noon ET on Thursday, September 24.
Several cultural events and opportunities are also highlighted, including a conversation with artist Nekisha Durrett on September 12, an advanced screening of the film "Cow Trip" on September 17, and Bryce Bowyn's "Fever Dream" album release show on September 26. Grant applications are open for emerging musical theatre artists via the Jonathan Larson Grants (deadline September 4) and for regional theatres through National Theatre Company Grants (deadline September 4). Auditions for Knock on Wood Tap Studio's ensembles are scheduled throughout September, and Sandy Spring Museum is accepting proposals for outdoor artworks until September 18. Children's auditions for Winter Revels are on September 18 or 19, and Vermont Studio Center Fellowships are open until September 30. The Asian Cultural Council Grant applications open October 1, 2026.