About Project Create Arts Center · Washington
Project Create Arts Center is a community-based nonprofit in Washington, DC, established in 1994 to provide accessible, multidisciplinary arts education to children, youth, and families in underserved neighborhoods. Rooted in creativity and community, it offers free art classes, workshops, art therapy, and performance opportunities across disciplines including visual arts, music, dance, and digital media. Operating from its permanent studio in Anacostia (Ward 8), it serves ages birth to 24 and partners with local organizations to expand its reach. The organization emphasizes healing, equity, youth voice, and creative expression as core values.
Project Create Arts Center is a nonprofit that has served Washington, DC’s youth for 30 years, offering free, multidisciplinary arts education and enrichment to children, youth, and families in underserved communities. Based in the Anacostia neighborhood, its studio includes five specialized art spaces, a gallery, and student lounge. Programs include studio classes, art therapy (HeART Space), family workshops, field trips, and professional development for staff. It partners with community organizations in Wards 7 and 8 to deliver services, and its mission centers on empowering youth through art as a tool for healing, resilience, and social change. The organization is not affiliated with any religious institution and does not identify as Catholic.
- In business
- since 1994
- Owner
- Rev. John W. Wimberly, Jr.
- Serves
- Washington, DC, specifically Wards 7 and 8 (Anacostia neighborhood)
Our Mission
Project Create provides opportunities for creative youth development through accessible, multidisciplinary arts education to empower young people and amplify their voices. We collaborate with children, youth, and families in an inclusive and supportive community where art is healing and transformative.
Our Programs
Studio Programs at the Arts Center, Community Partnership Programs, HeART Space Art Therapy, Family Art Day, Workshops, and Professional Development for staff.
- Studio Programs at the Arts Center
- Community Partnership Programs
- HeART Space Art Therapy
- Family Art Day
- Workshops
- Professional Development
Our History
Founded in 1994 by Rev. John W. Wimberly, Jr., Project Create began as an after-school arts program for children at Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School. It became an independent nonprofit in 2003 and opened its permanent studio in Anacostia in 2015. In 2019, it purchased its 5,200 sq ft building at 2208 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE.