Umbrella Art Fair, the massive free arts event that launched in 2019 in Washington, DC as a space for art fans and aspiring collectors to see and purchase art, returns November 17-19. Set to fill 19,000 square feet of space at the new Plaza at the Dock at Union Market (1325 5th St. NE, Suite A) with the work of more than 100 artists, organizers of this year’s show are making an intentional effort to showcase and collaborate with national and international names. Exhibit highlights include Alex Solis, 1010, The Obanoth and a space curated by Philadelphia's Paradigm Gallery. Local favorites are also on deck, including Kelly Towles, Julia Chon, Brandon Hill and Maggie O’Neill. Umbrella Art Fair is where Washington, DC’s art scene converges with creative entrepreneurs, global artists and makers. It is a declaration of artistic independence, a rebellion against the mundane and a celebration of the daring.
This year’s Umbrella announcement coincides with the launch of Usan Usan, a new DC-born organization for economic growth for artists, creative entrepreneurs, food artisans and vendors through events, experiences and placemaking. Co-founded by Umbrella and No Kings Collective co-founder Peter Chang and Ally Mumm of brand strategy consultancy The Good Neighbor, Usan Usan is a catalyst dedicated to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem where culinary creators and artists stand at the center of innovation and prosperity.
Umbrella Art Fair 2023 is proudly partnered with returning presenting sponsor Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia. Events DC delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital, bringing economic and community benefits to residents and visitors, and positioning DC as a world-class destination thriving at the intersection of local, national, and international communities.
EDENS is also a proud partner of Umbrella 2023 as the pioneering visionaries of the Union Market District.
Umbrella empowers artists by eschewing commission and ensuring the proceeds of all art sales go to those exhibiting. It does so through a groundbreaking model of partnering with developers to activate vacant commercial space, while bringing together more than one hundred artists and independent curators, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors, including aspiring collectors, to the space each year. Since its creation by Chang and fellow No Kings co-founder Brandon Hill, it has proven to be a true driver of economic opportunities for artists, prompting over $500,000 in art sales, much of it earned by women artists and artists of color.
The art fair will be open to the general public from noon to 10pm on Nov. 17 and 18, as well as noon to 8pm on Nov. 19. Admission is free and RSVPs are encouraged to select events. This year’s Umbrella Art Fair will include a diverse programming lineup, ranging from CreativeMornings DC, a free breakfast lecture series, to a special Secret Walls art battle featuring all women artists and more. The opening reception will be Nov. 17 from 6-10pm. For a full schedule of activations and events at Umbrella Art Fair, visit the website and follow @umbrellaartfair on Instagram.
ABOUT USAN USAN: Usan Usan is an organization working at the intersection of art, culture, and food to create economic opportunities for artists + culinary entrepreneurs. Led by Peter Chang and Ally Mumm, it is the force behind Umbrella Art Fair, REDEYE Night Market, and Studio USAN. Usan Usan is a catalyst for economic growth, offering a canvas for artists and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their work, while simultaneously creating new economic vistas for food artisans and vendors. For more information, please visit www.usanusan.org or follow @usanusan_ on Instagram.
PRESS CONTACT: For additional information, high res imagery or interview requests, please reach out to Hallie Angelo | hallie.angelo@mokimedia.com. Cell: 443-798-4177.
