October is a season of change that gives us an opportunity to look at how Gateway CDC is evolving while remaining committed to our purpose and the creative community we serve. This month, we’re sharing important updates about the spaces we’re building, changes within our programs, upcoming experiences in the Gateway Arts District, and resources that can help our creative community stay informed, supported, and continue to thrive.

Gateway CDC works to advance the Gateway Arts District through arts-driven economic development, property management, and arts programs. This includes providing spaces that support artists and creative businesses.

In August, we shared the news of our $450,000 award from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to support the rehabilitation of the Gateway CDC headquarters building. This project will help transform the headquarters into a more vibrant space for staff, artists, and community members.

Since then, the planning committee has continued meeting to review updates and discuss the next steps for the project. We recently gathered at the headquarters to continue that work and look ahead to what the rehabilitation will make possible for Gateway CDC and our community.



Interested in following the rehabilitation project? Click the button below to learn more and stay connected as the work progresses.

Brentwood Business & Economic Development Roundtable

Economic development involves creating conditions for local businesses and communities to grow. Bringing people together, sharing information, and building partnerships help support that growth.

On September 28, Gateway CDC joined the Town of Brentwood’s first Business & Economic Development Roundtable, which brought together local entrepreneurs, artists, shop owners, and businesses of all kinds. The gathering featured Delterese George, Senior Development Manager for Prince George’s County, who shared her time and insights with attendees.

Interested in attending a future Brentwood Business & Economic Development Roundtable? Click the button below to stay updated on upcoming meetings.

Gateway Media Arts Lab Update

Gateway CDC has been connected to the Artist Lofts at 3311 Rhode Island Avenue for many years, and the space has served as an important place for our program, Gateway Media Arts Lab, which supports artists and creative professionals through events, coworking space, exhibitions, and community development work.

As the future of the Artist Lofts is being determined, Gateway Media Arts Lab will temporarily step back from activities in the space. While our physical presence is changing for now, our commitment to artists and our community remains. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.

Upcoming Events in the Gateway Arts District

Explore upcoming events in the Gateway Arts District, find experiences to attend, and connect with the artists and organizations that make our creative community thrive.

Wellness in Pink: A Family Health Fair

Friday, October 16, 2026 at 5 pm

North Brentwood Community Center

4012 Webster St, North Brentwood, MD 20722

You're invited to attend North Brentwood Community Center's “Wellness in Pink,” a FREE family health fair this Friday, October 16th at 5 pm. The event will feature blood pressure screenings, community resources, face painting, and more. Stop by for an evening focused on health, wellness, and community connection.

Little Makers: Autumn in Clay

Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:30 am

Material Things Studio

4529 Rhode Island Ave

Calling young artists ages 6 - 10! Led by Kayla Gomez, this fall themed workshop introduces children to beginner friendly clay hand building techniques. Participants will create pumpkins, squirrels, leaves, and other seasonal creatures, with all materials and firing included in the $75 registration fee.

From Bronx Streets to Nairobi Sun

A Photography Exhibition

Saturday, October 24 at 4 pm

39th Street Studios & Gallery

3901 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722

Photographers Cecey Karoki of Halisi Visions and Nia Ross of Nini Michelle Visuals bring their friendship and distinct cultural backgrounds together in this collaborative photographic series. Drawing from childhood family photographs and the places that shaped them, they reinterpret personal memories through fashion, styling, and set design rather than directly recreating the original images. Blending visual elements from Kenya and New York, including traditional leso fabrics and classic denim, the work explores how culture shapes identity. RSVP to attend. Limited street parking is available. The gallery is located on the second floor of Gateway Arts Center.

Poetry Gallery: An Open Mic

Sunday, October 25 at 4 pm

Station 3510

3510 Rhode Island Ave, Mount Rainier, MD 20712

Join us for an evening of free expression, creativity, poetry, and art at this judgment-free open mic for poets, musicians, and artists. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, bring your poems and a friend to share your work with a supportive audience in an intimate setting surrounded by local art. The evening also includes book giveaways, raffle prizes, free wine, and a Halloween costume contest where performers and audience members can win a free bottle of wine or free entry to November’s open mic. Online tickets are available now and tickets are $15 at the door.

Resources & Opportunities

Explore these resources, professional development opportunities, and discover new ways to move your work forward.

Building a thriving creative community takes more than spaces and programs. It takes people who show up, make connections, share information, support local artists and businesses, and invest in the work that keeps these opportunities moving forward.

There are many ways to support Gateway CDC and the Gateway Arts District:

• Show Up: Attend local events and connect directly with our artists and businesses.

• Spread the Word: Share our updates and take advantage of the resources available to you.

• Invest Financially: Financial contributions sustain Gateway CDC’s daily operations and the team behind the work, from coordinating vital projects and partnerships to connecting our community with critical opportunities, resources, and information.

Every contribution helps Gateway CDC continue advancing arts-driven economic development and strengthening the spaces, relationships, and opportunities that help our creative community thrive.

With gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead,

Gateway Community Development Corporation