Atlas Performing Arts Center

The Atlas Performing Arts Center is a non-profit performing arts venue located in the H Street, Northeast community of Washington, DC. Established in a historic theater, the Atlas serves as the cultural anchor of the area, presenting a diverse array of artistic performances including film, dance, music, theater, vocal and choral work, spoken word, and more. It boasts four performance spaces and frequently offers free events in its lobby. Founded on the principles of fostering stellar art and nurturing an equitable home for artists representing the diverse community, the Atlas produces its own performances under the Atlas Presents series and also rents out its spaces to other artist groups. It supports and partners with local arts makers such as the Capital City Symphony, Mosaic Theater Company of DC, Visionaries of the Creative Arts (VOCA), Joy of Motion Dance Center, and Black Leaves Dance Company. The Atlas is deeply committed to arts education, demonstrated through initiatives like the City at Peace youth development program and the Atlas Arts Lab. It also hosts the annual INTERSECTIONS Festival, a popular event that features close to 300 artists and performing groups and attracts thousands of patrons over several weeks. Originally built in 1938, the Atlas Theater was a beloved movie house for 30 years before it was damaged during the riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. The building stood empty for 33 years until 2001 when philanthropist and lawyer Jane Lang initiated discussions for its renovation. The rejuvenation of the Atlas was a key part of the government's plan to rebuild the H Street corridor, and the venue fully reopened in 2006 as a 59,000 square-foot performing arts center. The Atlas is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was honored with the 2012 Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is guided by a mission to be a creative space for artists and audiences to explore contemporary ideas and issues. Its vision is to inspire a passion for the arts and create a dynamic community energized by artistic and human diversity. The organization believes that the arts are essential to fostering an innovative and just society and that a professional venue is crucial to the success of performing artists and arts organizations. The Atlas's values include inclusion, collaboration, creativity and innovation, and leadership. It aims to provide an accessible and inclusive environment, support and honor community, promote a culture of creativity and positive change, and model respect and integrity. The Atlas Performing Arts Center is led by Executive Director Douglas E. Yeuell and governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Donna Rattley-Washington. The organization maintains high community standards, inviting all to engage with the arts respectfully and openly, and stands against discrimination and abuse. Additionally, the Atlas has been involved in social justice initiatives, including support for the Black Lives Matter movement and the hosting of murals that reflect themes of social justice, racial equity, love, LGBTQ awareness, and community as part of the MuralsDC project. The Atlas Performing Arts Center continues to be a beacon for the arts, culture, and connection in the H Street corridor and the wider Washington, DC area.