WASHINGTON D.C. - The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) is proud to recognize Culture House as the October 2023 Location of the Month (LOTM). Culture House, a premiere destination known as a prime event venue and hub for creatives is an established frontrunner in promoting D.C. arts and culture. It stands out as a vibrant sanctuary that celebrates various artistic expressions, curates impactful community programs, and hosts an assortment of unforgettable events as well as film and television productions.
LaToya Foster, OCTFME Director, expressed her admiration, stating, "Culture House captures the essence of Washington D.C.'s artistic and creative heartbeat. Its unique blend of history and contemporary flair personifies the District's commitment to amplifying the arts and our culture. We look forward to their continued success and invaluable contributions to the DC creative community.”
Built in 1886 as Friendship Baptist Church, it was among the few buildings left untouched after mid-century urban renewal efforts reshaped Southwest DC. One of the District’s oldest African American congregations, the building and its mix of eclectic architectural styles serve as a visual reminder of the neighborhood’s rich history. Evolving with the times, Culture House (formerly Blind Whino) emerged under the visionary direction of noted artist HENSE. Now it stands as a dynamic nexus for creativity and community engagement.
"It's an honor to be spotlighted by OCTFME. Our space has played host to several film projects, and we eagerly anticipate becoming the backdrop for many more events and media productions," said Amy Symonds, Director of DC Venues, the management company for Culture House.
Now in its fifth year, Culture House is responding to the city’s demand for more authentic local culture and unparalleled visual, musical, culinary, and performing arts experiences. Boasting over 15,000 square feet of creatively designed space, Culture House stands out as a distinctive events venue in the District. Whether it is weddings, celebratory gatherings, private dinners and corporate events, to album release parties and immersive performances, Culture House accommodates every occasion with style.
About Location of the Month
The "Location of the Month" initiative is part of the agency's mission to market and support District locales as media production locations and bring attention to the wide range of cinematically compelling locations available to film and television productions.
If you have a suggestion for a future OCTFME "Location of the Month," we would love to hear from you. If you own or manage a business, venue, or location you would like to be featured as a "Location of the Month," or if you are a filmmaker or a fan of local filmmaking with a suggestion for a unique DC location, OCTFME could feature in the future "Location of the Month" please use this nomination form and tell us all about it.
About OCTFME
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), an award-winning District of Columbia Government agency, leads the city’s extensive efforts to build and support a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market. Additionally, OCTFME serves as the city’s cable television service provider regulator and as the customer service hub for cable subscribers.
OCTFME’s extensive portfolio includes:
- The District’s government cable access channels District Council Channel (DCC), the District of Columbia Network (DCN), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN).
- DC Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
- District of Columbia Entertainment Network (DCE), OCTFME’s 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the DCE Network App or at DCENetwork.com).
- The handling of all of the District’s filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the DC Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (DC Rebate Fund).
- Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.
For more on OCTFME: (202) 671-0066 or www.entertainment.dc.gov. Follow OCTFME on Facebook.com/entertaindc, Instagram.com/entertain_dc, Twitter.com/entertain_dc and TikTok/entertain_dc.
