OUR MISSION
As a hub for both musicians and music lovers, Distrik Kollective is simultaneously committed to fostering the creative and economic development of D.C.-area artists, and to showing enthusiasts what’s hot on the local scene and where to see and hear great music.
We are constantly creating opportunities to showcase local artists and enable them to hone their sound by performing live – through the Creators Jam, our flagship program – and by partnering with other organizations, including the Atlas Performing Arts Center and WUMC radio.
Our goal is to offer musicians the support, promotion and performance opportunities they need to succeed, and to enhance the arts experience for music lovers in D.C. and beyond.
We believe our strength comes from community, and that our creativity is enriched by collaboration. As an artist-driven network rooted in the District of Columbia, we have received grant funding from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
ABOUT US
Distrik Kollective is a vibrant hub for both musicians and music lovers in the D.C. area, dedicated to fostering the creative and economic development of local artists while enriching the experience of music enthusiasts. We focus on three main pillars:
1. Creative Growth for Artists: Our flagship program, Creators Jam, provides an innovative platform where artists and musicians come together to collaborate spontaneously on stage. Unlike traditional open mic sessions, Creators Jam emphasizes the art of real-time creation, allowing participants to listen, respond, and evolve their ideas in a dynamic environment. This collaborative experience enhances their creativity and hones their craft. To further enrich this growth, we host THE WORKSHOP, featuring industry professionals who engage in Q&A sessions with artists post-performance, offering valuable feedback and insights. Additionally, our FLIP the BEAT series highlights cutting-edge producers and digital music creators, creating a comprehensive learning environment for all artists involved.
2. Economic Empowerment for Musicians: We understand the challenges facing musicians today and advocate for entrepreneurship within the community. Through roundtable discussions, we explore the economic landscape and strategies that empower artists to build sustainable careers without relying solely on corporate support. In the past, we developed an online Creators platform that enabled local fans to directly support their favorite artists, fostering a community-focused approach to music promotion. Although this platform was active for only one year, we believe it is an important initiative that we hope to revisit in the future. By connecting artists with local audiences, we aim to cultivate meaningful relationships and avoid the overwhelming competition of larger corporate platforms, as well as the significant underpayment for their work. Our mission is to facilitate artists’ entrepreneurial endeavors and act as a collaborative hub for mutual support and growth.
3. Community Engagement and Fan Connection: As our programming expands, we are committed to deepening the connection between local talent and the public. Recently named artist residents at the Eaton House, we are intensifying our efforts to promote the incredible artists within our community. We believe that a thriving music scene depends on genuine engagement, where artists uplift the community and the community, in turn, supports the artists. Together, we strive to create a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates and connects the diverse musical landscape of D.C.
Highlights
Support Us!
Distrik Kollective is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Please consider making a donation in support of the work we do to raise up local artists.
