From award-winning theatre and independent films to galleries and public art, Bethesda’s Arts & Entertainment District is filled with inspiring artists and arts venues. Unique galleries and public art fill the streets throughout the downtown. The Art & Soul of Bethesda arts publication details all arts information available within downtown Bethesda’s Arts & Entertainment District.
Arts & Entertainment District
Arts & Entertainment District
The state of Maryland designated downtown Bethesda as an Arts & Entertainment District effective July 1, 2002. The Bethesda Urban Partnership is the manager of the Bethesda’s Arts & Entertainment District.
In 2004, the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District Board was granted 501 (c) (3) status by the IRS. This allows the Board to fundraise, as a not-for-profit organization, and build awareness for new arts & Entertainment projects in downtown Bethesda. Our Mission Statement is: “The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District Board shall create and implement arts and entertainment projects that contribute to the artistic, cultural and economic growth of downtown Bethesda”.
For more information, please email Stephanie Coppula, scoppula@bethesda.org.
Incentives
Special tax incentives are in place that will benefit artists, arts enterprises and developers that are located within Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District.
Benefits:
- Artists who live in the state of Maryland and create their artwork in the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District can receive certain income tax breaks.
- Developers who renovate or construct spaces for arts’ use can be exempt from paying certain property taxes on the value of the renovations for up to 10 years.
- Arts enterprises that charge the Admissions and Amusement tax are exempt from this tax.
Arts & Entertainment District Board
The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District Board members proudly supervise the art district activities.
Executive Committee
- President: Jane Fairweather, Jane Fairweather Team/Long & Foster
- Vice President: Jad Donohoe, The Donohoe Companies
- Secretary/Treasurer: Patrick O’Neil, Lerch, Early & Brewer
Board Members
- Arlene Begelman, Local Resident
- Bonnie Fogel, Imagination Stage
- Richard Greenberg, Greenhill Companies
- Bob Hebda, Local Resident
- Amy Kaslow, Amy Kaslow Gallery
- Zachary Oxman, Artist and Local Artist
- Robin Sherman, Local Resident
- Wendy Susswein, Local Resident
- Peter Fosselman, TJ Dant, Brandan Stuckey (Non-voting), Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
Events
Events happen all year long highlighting wonderful artists, performers, musicians and writers!
Gallery B
The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District and Bethesda Urban Partnership manage Gallery B in downtown Bethesda
“Paint” the Town Mural Project
This initiative of the Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District brings more public art murals to downtown Bethesda.