D.C.: The Social Power of Music

Eight video portraits by local artists and media makers

We invited artists and media makers to produce one-minute video portraits of each of D.C.’s eight wards. Explore these neighborhood snapshots and statements from the artists in the feature below.

Ward 1: Allie Martin, PhD, is an ethnomusicologist from Prince George’s County, Maryland. She studies the relationshiop between gentrification, music, and sound in Washington, D.C.

Ward 2: Anthony Smallwood, Ben Ashworth, and Chris Tuss are artists currently working individually and collectively in the D.C. metropolitan area, and who use skateboarding as a means for creatively building community.

Ward 3: Alex Tyson is an artist and researcher whose work ranges from experimentation with code and film to fabricating design objects. Their time is divided between creating new work and researching design histories.

Ward 4: Cita Sadeli, also known as MISS CHELOVE, is an independent Washington, D.C.-based muralist, art director, and educator.

Ward 5: Richard Howard, Jonathan Howard, Drew Hagelin, and Evan Napala collaborate as the band Cigarette.

Ward 6: Albert Tong is a filmmaker from Miami, currently living in D.C., and specializing in documentary and event storytelling. He works as a video content creator for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Ward 7: Seshat Walker is a creative impact director, cultural strategist, and founder of the aSHE FUND.

Ward 8: We Act Radio is a full-service media production company broadcasting since 2011 and recognized in 2017 as the best social justice station in D.C. by Washington City Paper.