District Arts Program
An Immersive Art & Memorabilia Experience
Open to Local artists to highlight their talent in the new Capital One Arena
Click below to learn more about the District Arts Collection:
What is the District Arts Program
The District Arts Program is a brand-new immersive collection, created by Monumental Sports & Entertainment in partnership with Sports & The Arts, one of the leading organizations in large-scale art collection development and implementation, and will also be supported by cllct, MSE’s Official Cultural History and Collectibles Partner. It will span every interior level and the exterior of the new Capital One Arena. The collection is designed to celebrate the rich spirit and culture of Washington, D.C., and will feature a robust blend of works by local artists of all levels, photographs from renowned photojournalist Harry Benson, pieces on loan from various D.C.-area institutions, and team memorabilia and historic items from the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and more.
Where will the artwork in the interior collection be featured?
Inside, visitors can expect original artworks commissioned for every level, pieces of custom framed photography, thousands of square feet of custom graphic wall treatments designed for storytelling and visual impact, and memorabilia exhibits showcasing historic franchise moments.
Where will the artwork in the exterior collection be featured?
The exterior collection will be featured on the transformed hardscape of F Street outside the arena, called “The Plaza.” The Plaza will feature exterior statues as part of the planned cultural arts renaissance. To enhance the fan experience, the artwork will be brought to life through nightly interactions, curated art tours, community art programs, and an artist spotlight series.
Who is invited to apply?
The collection is designed to celebrate the rich spirit and culture of Washington, D.C., and will feature a robust blend of works by local artists of all levels, photographs from renowned photojournalist Harry Benson, pieces on loan from various D.C.-area institutions, and team memorabilia and historic items from the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and more.
Do I have to be an experienced artist to apply?
Local artists and muralists of all levels and experience who are interested in being considered are encouraged to apply!
When is the deadline to apply?
Submissions are due by May 9, 2025.
What mediums will be considered?
The following mediums will be considered:
- Paintings (oils, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media)
- Sketches/Drawings (pen and ink, charcoal and pastels)
- Mixed Media (found objects, digital, assemblage and collage)
- Textiles
- Sculptures
- Murals
- Digital Art/Graphic Arts
- Photography
How do I apply?
To apply, submit a short bio, CV, and headshot as well as up to 10 sample images of artistic pieces indicative of the style of their work and any other relevant information via a single PDF to DistrictArts@monumentalsports.com. (PDF submissions should be no larger than 10MB.)
What happens if I am selected?
Upon selection, artists will be notified and commissioned for original works commencing this summer. All artists will be paid for their work and completed projects will be integrated into Capital One Arena throughout the various phases of construction over the next three years. In addition, artists will receive promotion by both MSE and Sports & The Arts through social media and other yet to be determined events. For more information, please visit monumentalsports.com/DistrictArtsCollection.
“The District Arts Collection marks a massive step in Monumental Sports’ commitment to not only elevate the fan experience at the new arena but to create a unique destination to celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit of Washington, D.C... This undertaking is more than just an exhibition; it’s a living tribute to our community, showcasing local talent while honoring the rich history of our region and our arena’s place within it. We invite artists to join us in this exciting journey as we transform our arena into a cultural hub for art and entertainment in the nation’s capital.” - Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE
“Sports & The Arts are thrilled to align with Monumental Sports in showcasing DMV artists as we celebrate their talents within the District Arts Collection... By incorporating storytelling and diverse community perspectives, the Collection gains depth, texture, and dynamic energy, enriching the powerful artworks that will call Capital One Arena home.” - Tracie Speca-Ventura, Founder of Sports & The Arts
“The District Arts Collection represents a groundbreaking fusion of sports, culture, and history, and cllct is honored to help bring this vision to life... Our mission is to help our partners preserve and celebrate the culture that defines fandom, and through this partnership, we’re excited to support the curation of an experience that allows fans to connect with the legacies of the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics, and the vibrant D.C. community in an entirely new way.” - Darren Rovell, Founder of cllct
Additional information about the brand-new Capital One Arena is available HERE.
For more information, please visit monumentalsports.com/DistrictArtsCollection.