Building Bridges Across the River

Building Bridges Across the River @ THEARC
Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR) was established in 1996 as a (501-c3) nonprofit organization by William C. Smith & Co. in order to raise the funds (via a $27 million capital campaign) needed to build THEARC and to oversee its construction. Funds from the capital campaign were contributed by the DC and Federal Governments, Corporations, Foundations and Individuals.

BBAR is now in a new phase of operation as the lead agency at THEARC. In this role, BBAR is responsible for leading the collaborative of agencies operating at THEARC to achieve THEARC's mission of providing high quality and accessible cultural, social, educational and health services to families in our community.

BBAR is also responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the 110,000 square foot facility and the 16.5 acres on which THEARC is located. BBAR also manages THEARC Theater and Community Meeting Room, as well as the Living History at THEARC Frederick Douglass educational outreach program. For more information, please email info@thearcdc.org or call 202-889-5901.

Building Bridges Across the River at THEARC is proud to have been Selected for the 2008-2009 Catalogue for Philanthropy "One of the best small charities in the greater Washington region"

THEARC Theater
The only theater of any kind located east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC, this 365-seat venue is a true community theater. THEARC Theater features a generous stage and professionally designed and installed sound and lighting systems that complement a full variety of productions.

Founded on the premise that the arts are a key element of the foundation of strong communities, THEARC Theater's mission is to be an outstanding venue and vehicle for both cultural events and town hall meetings. THEARC Theater is an intimate venue that is well-suited for most arts productions and community gatherings. Whether you want to be on stage or backstage, volunteer as an usher or sit in the audience and enjoy an event, THEARC Theater welcomes you as an important member in expanding the community's horizons and encouraging our residents' dreams for success.

For more information about leasing THEARC Theater, please email THEARCTheater@thearcdc.org. If you are interested in attending events in THEARC Theater, please visit our events calendar. To subscribe to THEARC's monthly electronic newsletter featuring the most up-to-date listing of upcoming events in THEARC Theater and the latest news from THEARC, please click here.

THEARC Community Meeting Room
THEARC Community Meeting Room provides a great resource for meetings, conferences, seminars and other community gatherings and presentations. The Community Meeting Room at THEARC (CRM) offers wireless internet service, a hardwire internet port, a projector and screen, table and chair set up and an adjoining kitchen. The Community Meeting Room at THEARC is available for lease at very reasonable prices. For more information, please email Building Bridges Across the River @ THEARC at: THEARCCommunityMeetingRoom@thearcdc.org.

Living History at THEARC Frederick Douglass Program
Frederick Douglass, the internationally acclaimed abolitionist, orator and statesman made his home in Washington, DC's Ward 8 for nearly 20 years. In order to honor his legacy, a state-of-the-art animatron has been created in his likeness and is available for performances. The Frederick Douglass animatron has been painstakingly created in the likeness of the man. The set is an exact replica of Douglass' study in his Anacostia home, Cedar Hill. Over two hours of Douglass' most famous speeches were recorded and programmed with the coordinated movements into the animatron. The result is dramatic and inspiring. Today, when children and adults learn about the life and times of America's most famous abolitionist, they can see his words come alive at THEARC. The Frederick Douglass speeches are recorded in varying lengths and complexity of subject material to be appropriate for audiences of all ages. Interactive performances are also available, where the animatron will answer questions from the audience. For further information or to arrange for a performance, please contact Building Bridges Across the River @ THEARC at LivingHistory@thearcdc.org.