Meow Wolf came to Riggs Park on October 24th to talk, listen and better understand what residents feel will make them good neighbors when the entertainment company comes to Washington, DC.
Cited as number four among the top 10 entertainment destinations worldwide, the immersive arts experience is slated to arrive around 2022 when the Cafritz Foundation completes the next phase of its Art Fort Totten branded development on South Dakota Avenue, NE near the Fort Totten Metro Station. Meow Wolf will be a tenant in the development.
All In A Name
A good learning start for the for-profit company was residents informing them that the historic community is called Riggs Park, proud of its heritage, and curious about what Meow Wolf will bring to the neighborhood by way of jobs, education, and corporate responsibility.
Jamal Gray, a DC artist and cultural activist with family in the neighborhood, has been hired as DC Outreach Liaison and spoke briefly at the meeting.
Han Sayles, Director of Artist Collaborations, highlighted the various ways the company supports the arts and community engagement through educational programs, DIY grants, and collaborations where artists can receive commissions and licensing agreements with Meow Wolf. A Community Advisory Committee will help inform the development of the DC experience, and underserved youth will be engaged through educational programs and subsidized visits. Metrics for success will include evaluations of the number of artists compensated by the company and the number of youth reached and supported.
Danika Padilla, Senior Director of Social Impact, also commented on entertainment offerings stating the local and international musicians and performers would be hired to develop a “vibrant community nightlife.” Hours of operation have not been yet been determined.
Types of Artists Needed
- Installation Artists
- Print and Fine Art
- Costuming/Fashion
- Muralists and Graffiti Artists
- Film/Animation
- Fabricators
- Sculpture
- Design
- New Media
- Graphics
- Performance
- Illustration
- Textiles
- Others
The company can be contacted via DC@meowwolf.com or Impact@meowwolf.com
