Theatre Washington has published DC mayoral candidate responses to its 2026 questionnaire, offering voters and the cultural community a direct look at how candidates for mayor are approaching arts funding, cultural infrastructure, creative space, neighborhood vitality, and the role of theater in the District’s economic recovery.
The full candidate responses are now available on Theatre Washington’s website.
The questionnaire invited candidates to share their views on issues affecting DC’s theater ecosystem, including public investment in the arts, dependable access to cultural space, permitting and regulatory barriers, neighborhood activation, and support for artists, arts workers, nonprofit theaters, and audiences.
Across the mayoral responses, several common themes emerged. Multiple candidates acknowledged arts and culture as essential to civic, economic, and neighborhood infrastructure. Several candidates also expressed support for strengthening public investment in the arts, including proposals to move toward dedicating 1% of the District’s budget to arts and culture.
Other recurring priorities included streamlining permitting for arts venues and cultural events; improving safety, lighting, cleanliness, and late-night access around arts and entertainment corridors; preserving affordable rehearsal, performance, and creative space; and using city-owned property, zoning tools, or development incentives to help prevent cultural displacement.
“DC has one of the most active and distinctive theater industries in the country. It plays an essential role in the city’s economy, health, and vibrancy. We are sewn into the fabric of neighborhoods and cultural conversation,” said Amy Austin, President & CEO of Theatre Washington. “The next mayor of Washington, D.C. will preside over a period of great opportunity. By collecting and sharing candidate responses publicly, we are helping voters better understand how candidates are approaching the issues that affect artists, audiences, organizations, and the creative sector.”
Theatre Washington does not endorse candidates. The candidate-response project is intended as a nonpartisan public information resource. Candidate participation, response length, and positions vary, and Theatre Washington has published responses as submitted.
The Washington region is home to one of the nation’s densest professional theater ecosystems, with roughly 90 professional theaters within 30 miles of downtown DC. Local theaters support jobs, attract audiences, activate neighborhoods, contribute to the region’s creative economy, and help define DC as a vibrant cultural capital.
About Theatre Washington
Through collaborative partnerships and programs, Theatre Washington supports the Washington, DC area’s professional theater community, celebrating artistic achievement, strengthening the theatrical workforce, supporting institutional growth, and cultivating collective action. Core programs include the Helen Hayes Awards, Theatre Week, Theatre Summit, Theatre Work, and the Taking Care Fund.
