What is the Culture Series?
Join expert guest curators from every corner of the city as they create one-of-a-kind events exploring DC stories, traditions and cultures with the goal of sparking conversations. The Culture Series is a free roaming monthly gathering that takes place at social hubs around the city and investigates topics like little-known bicycle racing in alleyways, LGBTQIA+ oral histories, and the tales of the African American Washingtonians who helped build the Smithsonian’s more remarkable exhibits. Come experience the public humanities in person as we delve into our city’s past, question our present and imagine the future.
2026 CULTURE SERIES LINEUP
February 19 – Comedy Across the River
HumanitiesDC & Clyde Darren Thompson Present Culture Series: Comedy Across the River, an exploration of the stand-up scene east of the Anacostia and the lack of performance spaces in Wards 7 and 8. Comedians have long brought people together through laughter while making difficult conversations more accessible.
But what happens when the artists behind those voices are left without places to develop their craft?
Inspired by C. Darren Thompson’s AFRO article, “Comedy East of the Anacostia Is No Laughing Matter,” the program features three performers sharing their experiences growing up in a city with a deep comedic history, while lacking access to venues to watch, learn, and perform comedy.
The evening will begin with stand-up performances from our featured comedians, followed by a panel discussion centered on the bold question: Who gets to laugh together, and what is lost when communities east of the Anacostia are left out?
March 5 – Leadership Without Titles
HumanitiesDC & Community Voice Lab present Culture Series: Leadership Without Titles, a film showcase that brings together three documentaries produced through the Community Voice Lab at American University — Kil and the Kids, Street Reporter, and We Rock! — that spotlight everyday people turning challenges into connection, creativity, and change across Washington, DC.
From a mentor supporting youth in a high violence neighborhood, to a woman reclaiming her life as a community journalist after experiencing homelessness, to a young professional finding courage and belonging through music, these films expand how we define leadership.
The program will feature three short film screenings followed by a post discussion with the filmmakers, centered on our bold question: What defines a community leader and who gets to decide?
To learn more and register for these events visit our Events Calendar.
BECOME A GUEST CURATOR
Do you have an idea of how to bring untold DC stories to life? Have you conducted research on a humanities topic or been working on a project that you would love the opportunity to present to the public? The Culture Series is looking for guest curators to help us co-create our next gatherings. We are looking for topics with strong connections to a humanities discipline, that are thoughtful, engaging and incorporate unique forms of presentation. Chosen curators receive compensation for their participation. For more information, reach out to our Public Programs team at programs@humanitiesdc.org or complete the submission form below.
Proposal Submission Form:
Bring some humanity to your inbox:
Subscribe to our Newsletter.