Riverworks Arts Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is a place for cultivating creativity and connection through the healing power of art. We create the resources and the space for self- expression and community engagement with three locations within the Agricultural Reserve, rich with culture, beauty, and artistic inspiration.
Our vision is to lead a thriving cultural ecosystem in Downtown Columbia where our local, regional, and global communities come together to celebrate the best of our cultures and experience the joy and wonder of the arts. Through a constellation of places and programs, Downtown Columbia is a place where art happens regularly, spontaneously, and inclusively.
Chesapeake Shakespeare Company is the leading classical theatre company in Maryland, offering vibrant performances that blow the dust off of Shakespeare and delight its patrons. One of the six largest theatre companies in the state, CSC serves diverse audiences with funny, moving, rousing mainstage seasons, a vigorous education program that serves over 16,000 students annually in both theatre and the classroom, and a growing community engagement effort.
Established in 1995, Joe’s Movement Emporium is a cultural arts hub that acts as a catalyst for creativity and economic opportunity. Based in Mount Rainier, Maryland in the Prince George’s Gateway Arts District, Joe’s serves more than 70,000 visitors annually. Joe’s has five arts-based youth programs that bridge the creative divide between under-resourced families and those with means. Through programs and productions in education, performing arts, and work readiness, Joe’s integrates progressive education, creativity, and youth development.
Naptown Jazz Kids (NJK) was founded in 2019 by artistic director Steve Fidyk to preserve the great American art form, jazz, for kids of all ages.
fertile ground for something new
We are a non-profit theatre company based that pairs emerging and established artists so that they can grow together. We’re building a directors theatre that can serve as a learning environment and alternative to expensive, exclusive training programs.
Celebrating over 45 years as a performing arts ensemble, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble is an internationally recognized, roots-based music and dance company showcasing the cultural diversity of percussive dance. Footworks has a reputation for exceptional performances, bringing the joy and energy of percussive dance and music to audiences worldwide. Since 1979, Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble has delighted audiences of all ages and cultures around the world.
Involvement Theater programs have been used with Maryland County Office of Aging sites, preK-12 public & private schools, College & University Student Activities, after school and No Child Left Behind programs. The programs are adapted to the participating age level including special needs and at-risk populations. Residencies, teacher in-service, family/parenting programs, music song writing and creative drama workshops are also available. Please call for funding options.
An initiative under the Southwest Partnership to establish a community arts center, anchored by a dance operator, with youth and community programming and education provided by artist studio residents.
WombWork Productions, Inc. was founded in 1997 by three Black women – Kay Lawal-Muhammad, Rashida Forman-Bey, and Nataska “Walks on Water” Hummingbird – who as artists and mothers established a space to address the dearth of creative outlets for their children and Baltimore youth. To this day, WombWork’s primary constituency remains youth ages 5-18, and secondarily young adults ages 19 and older. WombWork Productions primarily operates in Central Maryland, specifically Baltimore City.