Dia de los Muertos DC tells D.C. arts commission its work broadens access and supports local artists

Representatives of Dia de los Muertos DC presented to the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities on Aug. 18 to describe the collective’s programming and to thank the commission for grant support. Adi Mondragon, co‑founder of Dia de los Muertos DC, told commissioners the group uses “immersive, large scale installations” to create public rituals and said approximately “95% of our artists are DC artists.”

Mondragon said the commission’s support allowed the organization to provide direct financial compensation to artists for the first time after years of grassroots organizing: “This was the first time that we were able to support our artists and say thank you in a financial way.” She described mobile activations, collaborations with Capital Pride on a “memory box” project, and ongoing plans for November events.

Kyle Mims, a lead artist with the organization, said the work creates “safe spaces” for audiences to connect with ancestral traditions, and emphasized the costs of producing large‑scale public art. Both presenters thanked the commission and said the group’s reach has expanded through the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia).

Commissioners thanked the presenters and said the grantee highlight “reminds us why we’re here.” No formal action was taken during the presentation; the item functioned as a grantee spotlight during the regular meeting.