On Saturday, Made in DC, a program supporting local businesses that–you guessed it–make their products in DC, is popping up at the Anacostia Arts Center. Visitors to the free Made in DC open house can meet the makers while shopping local and sampling Washington-made drinks and treats.
Made in DC activities are brought about via a collaboration between the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development and Think Local First DC. Made in DC program is currently supporting 80 local businesses by acting as a liaison between the craftsmen themselves and the local government.
Just in time for the open house, on April 19, DC Council passed council member Charles Allen’s Made in DC bill, which directs the Department of Small and Local Business Development to develop a “Made in DC” logo, marketing campaign, and brand that local producers will be able to use in their own marketing.
“The Made In DC program is a smart investment in our local businesses and building a stronger marketplace for District-made products. I’m proud to help promote the District’s growing creator economy with a program to communicate the importance of buying local and having pride in DC-made products,” said Allen in a press release.
Saturday’s open house’s all-local vendor lineup includes Nubian Hueman’s bright and beautiful African-print apparel and accessories, formaldehyde-free nail polishes from Blu Ink Nail Lacquer, handmade shaving accessories from Hellrazor for Men, DC-themed tees from Bailiwick Clothing, handcrafted printed bags from Printed Wild, soy candles from Handmade Habitat, and more. While browsing, attendees may sip cold-pressed juice from Turning Natural or munch on farm-to-table cafe foods from Art-Drenaline.
The open house will run from 11:30 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, April 23, at the Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Rd., SE. Swing by to check out only-in-DC tees like the ones below.
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
