Project Create at 30: A Night to Remember

From the moment guests arrived at our 30th Anniversary Gala at Arena Stage, they were warmly welcomed into a night full of creativity, connection, and celebration. The evening kicked off with a lively cocktail hour, where attendees had the chance to explore stunning artwork created by students and local artists, and enjoy carefully curated hors d’oeuvres. The energy in the room was electric as old friends reunited, new connections were made, and Project Create supporters came together to honor three decades of impact.

The night truly came alive with incredible live performances from some of DC’s most talented artists. Amber Mimz enchanted the audience with her soulful vocals and storytelling while Valentine & Friends brought the house down with their signature Go-Go sound. Rev Rollins (Oliver Wells) set the vibe with a bouncing DJ set, ensuring that the dance floor was ready to keep the energy high all night. Artist-In-Residence, Am’ad (Ahmad Woordard) brought the party to life with his depthful rap that spread positive messages through the crowd.

But beyond the music and celebration, at the heart of the evening, were the stories. Former and current Project Create students and teachers shared how the organization has shaped their lives — giving them a creative outlet, a sense of belonging, and the confidence to pursue their dreams. Hearing firsthand how Project Create has impacted DC’s youth over the past 30 years was a powerful reminder of why we do this work.

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

As we reflected on our journey, from humble beginnings in 1994 to our thriving Arts Center in Historic Anacostia, it was clear that Project Create’s mission is now more important than ever. The evening also marked an exciting step forward, as our Arts Center expands to accommodate our growing student community.

This milestone celebration wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and support of our community: our artists, donors, educators, staff, board, families, and friends. Whether you attended the gala, contributed to our mission, or have supported Project Create in any way over the years, we are deeply grateful and truly honored to have you as part of our ever-growing community.

Here’s to 30 years of creativity, empowerment, and impact — and to many more to come!

Relive the magic! View and download photos from the event gallery here.