The CHBC Residency Program presents an exclusive opportunity for residents of Ward 7 and Ward 8 to showcase their creativity and amplify their artistic presence beyond the spaces they already create in. This program is designed for all artistic disciplines except music, providing a dynamic maker space for artists living east of the river. We work together as a team, 1 on 1, and with a success manager to develop a professional portfolio and enhance financial literacy in the arts. With peer mentorship and focus on interpersonal skills, our residents cultivate strategic relationships with the cities leading artists and galleries, ensuring opportunity to propel their careers forward.

With a steadfast commitment to fostering equity through the arts, this residency is reserved solely for the talented individuals of Ward 7 and Ward 8—two historically underserved communities in Washington, D.C.

With our Capture Heights by Climbing curriculum, our mentors use our five pillars: Knowledge, Courage, Strength, Determination, and Understanding to support youth with academics, goal setting, conflict resolution, emotional regulation, social development and life skills, and the completion of a community service learning project. The CHBC Murals program is an after school arts program where students from ages 5 years to 18 years create and install murals in their own schools & communities.

Our program provides young artists with mentorship in skill refinement, financial literacy, and professional development, all while equipping them to design and create impactful murals both within schools and throughout the community. Offered exclusively during the spring and fall, the after-school Murals Club serves as a transformative platform for artistic growth and community engagement.

The CHBC Murals Program is a vibrant, intergenerational arts initiative that brings together residents aged 8 to 80 to design and install murals that reflect their communities' unique identities and aspirations. This transformative spring program empowers residents to shape the artistic vision of their neighborhoods, ensuring the murals are meaningful and community-driven.

Dedicated classes operate tirelessly—day and night, rain or shine—to bring these creations to life, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among participants. CHBC also partners with local artists, offering tailored financial literacy education to help them sustain their creative practices and thrive professionally. Beyond artistic development, the program emphasizes community-building, equipping participants and artists with tools to drive meaningful neighborhood engagement and growth.

From May 1-May 17, the Anacostia Murals

Festival will transform one of historic

Anacostia’s most traveled corridors into an

expansive, 150+-mural open-air gallery

and community gathering space free for all

to view. As many as 18,000 people attend

mural creations, community workshops,

live go-go shows and more