Join us to experience CONCRETE DREAMS at the exterior and sidewalk in front of the DC Arts Center in May 2021.  Tentatively scheduled for May 20-23, 2021.  Dates may shift based on weather.  Check here for latest updates.

Location: DC Arts Center (exterior/sidewalk), 2438 18th
Street, NW, Washington DC, 20009.
Dedication/Opening: Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 7 pm, followed by projections from 8:30 to 10 pm.  Livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/StorytellingWithSaris
Viewing hours: May 20, 2021 from 6-10 pm, May 21, 2021 from 6 -10 pm, May 22, 2021 from 2-10 pm, May 23, 2021 from 2-6 pm.
Poetry Slam: May 22, 2021 at 7 pm, followed by projections.
Projections: May 20-22, 2021 from sunset to 10 pm, livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/StorytellingWithSaris
All dates weather dependent.

In honor of AAPI Heritage month, CONCRETE DREAMS links communities in solidarity from DC to Asia. CONCRETE DREAMS is a temporary public art project that involves the public in Washington DC and Katakhali Village, Bangladesh. CONCRETE DREAMS is led by Monica Jahan Bose in collaboration with light artist Robin Bell and will drape cotton saris and project images and poetry on the facade of the DC Arts Center, 2438 18th Street, NW, Washington DC. The duration of the installation will be four days in May 2021. There will also be small movable sculptures or “steles” on the sidewalk with poetry phrases written on them. The public has been engaged in zoom and outdoor workshops led by Monica Jahan Bose and co-facilitated by artist Maps Glover to compose poetry and art on themes of the pandemic and the intersection of race, gender, and climate injustice. 

“Concrete poetry” refers to poetry that is drawn or arranged as a design on the page. CONCRETE DREAMS uses concrete poetry and printmaking to highlight the dreams and aspirations of residents of DC and Katakhali towards a sustainable and just future. The poetry is inscribed on saris, on the building through a light installation, and on small plaster sculptures in the form of “steles.”  The project enhances and merges with the street energy, night life, and restaurants in Adams Morgan, DC, including the Streatery program moving restaurants into the street.

All visitors must wear masks and follow social distancing.  Please do not come if you are feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for COVID-19.  To allow viewing from home, we will be livestreaming every night May 20-22 at https://www.facebook.com/StorytellingWithSaris.

CONCRETE DREAMS is funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities’ Public Art Building Communities Grant Program. It is part of the ongoing STORYTELLING WITH SARIS climate justice art project.

ASL interpretation provided at dedication on May 20th at 7 pm and Slide Slam on May 22 at 7 pm. Please email storytellingwithsaris@gmail.com if you need information, interpretation, or other accommodation.

Click here for PRESS RELEASE.