The vision that ensued highlighted Washington as the cultural heart of the region — a vibrant and creative center that blends culture, arts, technology, commerce, retail, entertainment, education and entrepreneurship in a world-class environment. With the support of the White House, the federal and District governments, the international community, and local business interests, this process culminated in an agenda presented May 5, 1998 at an arts summit hosted by the First Lady. The recommendations were designed to increase and sustain the presence and appreciation of arts and culture in downtown Washington, and to provide places and spaces for artists and arts organizations to live, create, exhibit, sell, rehearse, perform, convene and animate.

Modeled after a community development corporation, CuDC's mission is to engage artists and cultural organizations in community development and revitalization efforts throughout the District of Columbia. CuDC is a private-sector, nonprofit, autonomous entity empowered to:

• facilitate arts and cultural real estate development in conjunction with the network of neighborhood-based community development corporations; and
  
  
• advocate for arts and cultural investment to benefit Washington-based artists and arts organizations and the neighborhoods where they reside.

We create partnerships between the arts and business communities that will stimulate economic activity and improve quality of life.