Welcome to Gateway Media Arts Lab

Gateway Media Arts Lab is an interconnected creative ecosystem where artists, storytellers, media professionals, creative entrepreneurs, and community members come together to create, collaborate, and grow.

Whether you're looking for a place to work, exhibit your art, attend events, build creative partnerships, or explore new ideas, there's a place for you here.

Life at the Lab

Every workshop, exhibition, conversation, and collaboration helps shape the creative story of our community.

Upcoming Experience

Bellies & Bikinis: Saturday, August 8th, 2026, 3 pm - 6 pm

Celebrate body positivity, confidence, and self-expression at Bellies & Bikinis, an interactive custom swimwear experience by Belly The Brand. On Saturday, August 8, from 3:00 - 6:00 pm at Gateway Media Arts Lab, participants will design a custom bikini or one piece tailored to their body while enjoying fashion, music, refreshments, creativity, and community. Each guest will select their fabric and style, receive personalized measurements, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece designed to celebrate their unique style. All bodies, identities, and experience levels are welcome. RSVP is required, and space is limited to ensure every participant receives a personalized design and fitting experience.

Moments from the Lab

Past Experiences

Every gathering tells a story.

From artist talks and exhibitions to workshops, screenings, performances, and community celebrations, these experiences reflect the creativity, collaboration, and connections that continue to shape Gateway Media Arts Lab.

Explore past events and see how our creative community comes together to learn, share, and grow.

Emerging Artists Exhibit and Mixer

Drop by the Gateway Artist District this Mother’s Day for the first Emerging Artists Exhibit and Mixer!
This new addition to Open Studios Tour weekend showcases works from emerging creatives at local universities.
Come explore the art, connect with artists, and support the growing creative community.

2026 Open Studios Tour

Step into the world of Visual & Audio Storyteller Antonio Hernandez **@electricllama**, featured at the Gateway Media Arts Lab this Saturday, May 9th, 2026 from 12 pm - 5 pm.
He will be showcasing his documentary Indelible @indelibelife, a black-and-white series exploring a “Marvel Universe” of D.C. musicians, featuring artists like Odd Mojo and Black Folks Don’t Swim? and highlighting the connections shaping the region’s sound.

Sacred Movement

This series is designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and move with intention. Whether you’re tapping into creativity, reflection, or grounding, there’s space here for you..

Meet Our Resident Artists

Creativity flourishes through community.

Gateway Media Arts Lab is home to a community of resident artists who are committed to developing their creative practice while contributing to the cultural life of the Gateway Arts District. Working across disciplines, they learn, collaborate, share their work, and help cultivate a creative community rooted in growth, stewardship, and connection.

Resident artists may receive:

Dedicated workspace
Creative collaboration opportunities
Professional development and networking
Opportunities to lead workshops and public programs
Exposure through exhibitions, events, Gateway TV, and The Lab Magazine

Meet the artists shaping the creative life of the Lab.

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Interested in the Resident Artist Program?

Learn more about the residency, our selection process, and future opportunities to join our creative community.

Learn more

COWORKING & CREATIVE SPACE

The Lab offers flexible coworking space for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives working in media and the arts.

This space supports:

Independent creators and freelancers
Small creative teams and startups
Workshops, meetings, and creative development sessions
Networking within the Gateway creative ecosystem

GALLERY & EXHIBITION RENTAL

The Media Arts Lab includes gallery and exhibition space available for curated shows, installations, screenings, and community events.

This space is ideal for:

Artist exhibitions
Film screenings
Pop-up shows and activations
Community and cultural programming

For rental inquiries, complete the form below and contact the lab@gatewaycdc.org

INTERNSHIPS & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Lab also serves as a training ground for emerging creatives through internships, hands-on production experience, and workforce development opportunities in the media arts.

THE LAB MAGAZINE

The Lab Magazine is a publication of Gateway Media Arts Lab dedicated to documenting, celebrating, and amplifying the artists, organizations, creative spaces, and community initiatives shaping the Gateway Arts District.

Each issue highlights the people, projects, and cultural work that define the district’s evolving creative ecosystem, preserving its history while showcasing the voices shaping its future.

Click here to explore the latest issue and full archive on The Lab Magazine page