ARCH announces the formation of Valley Place Arts Collaborative, a new producing and presenting project in support of East of the River artists and communities

“Valley Place Arts Collaborative’s mission is to promote arts, culture, and the creative economy in Wards 7 and 8 of the District of Columbia. This includes support of local art galleries and artists, promoting creative arts and cultural organizations and individuals, and technical assistance to arts and the creative economy.”

Under the auspices of long-time Anacostia cultural and arts development corporation, ARCH Development, and Duane Gautier, Valley Place Arts Collaborative (VPAC)’s founding members are John Johnson, Jason Anderson, Luis Peralta, and Adele Robey. 

Currently presenting at the Anacostia Arts Center, VPAC has already produced two events, with three more scheduled in 2022. It has also produced an after-school poetry program in partnership with Anacostia’s Project Create and PoetLife.

Going forward, VPAC will focus on presenting East of the River artists, including actors, playwrights, musicians, and more, as well as bringing programming to our East of the River Arts and Culture District, helping to promote local cultural and business development

COMPLETED PROGRAMS

Life on the Rocks, Film screening, JaySun 
Jason Anderson is a filmmaker, writer, and director. An Anacostia story.

Native Tongue Open mic event, JaySun
Poetry, stories, and music

I Am Anacostia
By John Johnson
Pain, joy, laughter, and overcoming—this living theater piece changes and adapts just like the communities east of the river. This interactive show requires an open mind and heart, and don’t forget your thinking caps!

Is It Real or Is it Magic? With Magician Ran’D Shine
August 6, 2022, Youth Show at 3pm. 15+ Older Show at 5:30pm
No video edits, no actors, just pure mind-boggling magic entertainment. Mr. Shine’s magical style draws from his playful interactive relationship with his audience combined with his psychological engaging illusions. Show for both youth and adults.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Augustus the Sissy
By Dane Galloway
Kick off the football season with this solo show that’s an epic tall tale told in verse, about a misfit teenage prodigy who sets his heart on playing Texas high school football in the little town of Glory Land, Texas. September 2022

Brute Farce
By Craig Houk
Four vengeful, narcissistic actors, with the assistance of a brutish stage manager and a cynical stagehand, kidnap and hold hostage a theater critic notorious for shutting down productions and ending careers through his malicious reviews. October 2022