As artists are critical to curating worldwide culture, reporting on the arts has been critical to The Washington Informer’s coverage since its inception in 1964.
From partnerships and covering programming at such places like DC Jazz Festival, Arena Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, University of Maryland’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and Smithsonian Institution, The Washington Informer keeps a major pulse on the creative culture and economy in the District, nation and world.
Throughout DC Jazz Festival’s more than 20 year history, The Washington Informer has been at the forefront, as both a partner and platform, covering some of the major performances, milestones and events.
“We love The Washington Informer as a trusted voice in our community. They have been a DC Jazz Festival partner since day one,” said Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of DC Jazz Festival. “For the past few years, we have offered complimentary tickets for the festival to readers and listeners of WIN-TV. We appreciate the Informer and the WIN-TV audience.”
In addition to covering performances and event at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, The Informer also hosts its annual Prince George’s County Spelling Bee in the arts venue on University of Maryland’s campus.
“We at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland are committed to meaningful partnerships and community engagement,” said Cara Fleck Plewinski, senior director, general management and strategic initiatives at The Clarice. “We value our longstanding collaboration with the Washington Informer, allowing us the opportunity to host the yearly Prince George’s County Spelling Bee. We are honored to provide a space for the young spellers and their families, and to join The Informer in strengthening ties in our community.”
Throughout Step Afrika!’s more than three decades, The Washington Informer has been present to cover shows, catch up with the company’s leadership, cast and creative team, report on their recent milestone, setting a Guinness World Record for “Largest Stepping Dance.”
Step Afrika!’s Founder and Executive Producer C. Brian Williams said The Informer plays a critical contribution to storytelling about arts in the nation’s capital and worldwide.
“As Step Afrika! celebrates 30 years of performing all over the world, The Washington Informer has always been there to document, preserve and highlight our work,” Williams said. “From our inaugural performances in Washington, D.C. to Step Afrika!’s successful Guinness World Record attempt at the National Building Museum, The Informer beautifully centers African American achievement and makes sure that our collective efforts are shared widely.”
He emphasized the historic connection between the Black Press and the arts.
“I believe strongly in the relationship between the arts and Black media, and hope to expand on that partnership in the years to come,” Williams told The Informer. “Black media has always played a pivotal role in making sure our stories are told, and helps artists reach a targeted community of patrons and potential supporters.”