Launched in 2014 by the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts and equipped with traditional and innovative art supplies and equipment, the Mobile Art Lab (MAL) employs artists to engage the community through the visual and performing arts, and gives artists a platform to expand their artistry. One of the Mobile Art Lab's guiding principles is equity and ensuring that all residents of Alexandria have equitable access to arts and culture. A second guiding principle is creating meaningful relationships with the community. Therefore, the primary focus is serving communities in Alexandria where there are less arts and culture programs as part of larger outdoor public space activations. Using these guiding principles, the Mobile Art Lab provides opportunities for artists to connect directly with community members. We are here to create meaningful experiences for you and your neighbors, and bring art experiences to neighborhoods of Alexandria where an association or organization is not producing arts and culture programs. Follow the @alexartsoffice for up to date information on where to find us!

Alexandria Jazz Fest

Every year in June, the Alexandria Jazz Fest (ALX Jazz Fest) brings together a variety of jazz musicians, poets, art activations and more for a night of fun along Alexandria's Waterfront Park. In 2023, the Jazz Fest celebrated its 45th year with artists like the Joe Balone Quintet, Alexandria's own Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood, and DC native and international touring artist Sharón Clark. The event also featured readings by Alexandria's Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam, Sami Miranda and Alexandria City Public School Student Poet Laureates and live mural paintings from Aniekan Udofia. This event is enjoyed by thousands of Alexandria residents and visitors every year.

Find out about our ongoing Jazz Fest Pop-Up Series and more!

Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration

The City of Alexandria's favorite yearly event happening in July at Oronoco Bay Park features musical performances by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a variety of local bands chosen every year, art activities from the Office of the Arts and Mobile Art Lab, and of course a fireworks display, introduction from the Town Crier and birthday cupcakes for participants. This is an event that Alexandrians don't miss! In 2024, the City will celebrate its 275th birthday. Stay tuned for more details once they become available!

The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts is pleased to announce that it was awarded a second National Endowment for the Arts grant to fund its community Artist Residency Program. 

Since 2019, the Site See installations have played an important role in the success of Waterfront Park, providing engaging and interactive visual anchors that received accolades from the public and the press.

Through the National Endowment for the Arts Grant Artist Residency Program, two performers were selected for the performing arts residencies, specifically to bring interpretive movement pieces inspired by the artwork to the Waterfront Park space during the period of September to November.

The performing arts residencies are with:

Jane Franklin Dance

Based in Arlington since 1997, Jane Franklin Dance is a company of movement artists who work in partnership with additional dance professionals, guest choreographers, and partnering organizations. Jane Franklin Dance has been recognized by Virginia’s Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the company tours for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Paul Mellon Arts in Education Program, and the Virginia Commission’s Tour Directory.

Performance Dates:

**Please note that the Saturday October 14 Performance is rescheduled to Sunday October 15 at 7pm due to inclement weather**

• Friday October 13 at 7 pm
• Sunday, October 15 at 7 pm
• Thursday October 19 at 7 pm
• Thursday October 26 at 7 pm

Ronya-Lee Anderson

Ronya-Lee Anderson is a Caribbean-American folk-soul singer-songwriter and dancer-choreographer from Washington, DC. She is currently on Dance Faculty at American University and is an Artist in Residence at Dance Place. Her work has been commissioned by the University of Virginia, Duke University, the Maryland State Arts Council, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
 

Performance Dates:

• Thursday, October 19 at 8 pm
• Saturday, October 21 at 7pm
• Friday, October 27 at 7pm
• Saturday, October 28 at 7pm
   

The City of Alexandria's Special Events Policy governs the special event permitting process and is managed by the Events & Public Space Activations team. For more information on how to obtain a permit for a special event, click here.

The Events & Public Space Activations (EPSA) team is a part of the Office of the Arts and is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences in public spaces. Follow EPSA on Instagram @alexartsoffice (#artsALX) to see upcoming events.