A mile north of the Capitol, on a random Tuesday in mid-2025, over 200 creatives gathered at THIS JANUARY’s The Creative Department happy hour, buzzing with energy about art, strategy, design, filmmaking, and creative pursuits from sewing to startups.

The creative community in DC is thriving — and though DC is not known for its creative scene, the founders of THIS JANUARY think our nation’s capital may also be the next great creative capital.

It’s a city where Transformer hosts an annual gala featuring hundreds of works from artists in DC and all over the world. Where 23 local designers got the keys of a soon-to-be-demolished hotel, creating works of art in every room. Where AIGA gathers hundreds of designers for a week-long celebration of sold-out parties, lectures, and portfolio reviews. Where Art All Night thrives, and beloved art fairs like Umbrella are flooded with excited locals. And we haven’t even touched on the incredible emerging vintage scene!

As DC’s indie creative agency, THIS JANUARY wants to support local art and help make DC the next great American creative city. The team aims to speak to 100 students per year about creative careers, host at least one community event per quarter, and donate office space to nonprofits for events all year long.

With the pilot program NOOK, the team at THIS JANUARY will directly support the next generation of great local creative talent by providing funding, workspace, and hands-on mentorship to an emerging DC artist.

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