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CAH highlights 'Behind the Uniform,' 'Song of Suns' and relaunches Art Bank and ARC Bank outreach
Summary
Public art staff reported on a veteran artists exhibition closing May 21, a new public projection project that opened May 14, ARC Bank and Art Bank grant activity, school mural work this summer, and Art Bank loan activity.
Public art staff updated the commission on multiple exhibitions and public programs at the May 19 meeting, including a veterans‑focused exhibition, a new projection and photography project, school mural work, and renewed grant outreach.
Corinne Miller, public art manager, said the current exhibition behind the uniform — featuring work by 24 veteran artists — opened April 10 and will close with a reception Wednesday, May 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with accessibility hours from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. She described a recent community workshop held in the same space.
Miller also reported that the Nicholson project, Song of Suns, opened Wednesday, May 14. The project includes a nightly video projection scheduled from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and a series of bus shelter photographs; staff said it will be on view for more than four months and includes community‑facing documentary elements and a dance crew performance during the reception.
Staff said the FY26 ARC Bank cycle launched April 15 and that applications for that program were due the evening of the meeting (closing at 9 p.m.). The Art Bank loan program currently has about 25 open placement requests from agencies and offices; staff noted recent loans to the mayor’s office of Latino affairs and other offices and a collaboration to install works at an ambassador’s residence with the European Union delegation.
On the school safety mural program, Color the Curve, staff said classroom engagement with assigned artists is underway and that mural painting at sites is expected to take place over the summer. Public arts staff also asked for assistance spreading word about the new curatorial exhibition grant line and other opportunities.
Why this matters: these programs represent CAH’s public‑facing work placing art in civic spaces, school sites and public exhibitions across the District.
Source: remarks by Carla Sims and Corinne Miller at the Commission on the Arts and Humanities meeting on May 19, 2025.
