D.C.’s tech community is stepping in to save the Artisphere.
Arlington resident Pete Erickson, CEO of wearables conference Modev, has started a petition among members of the local tech scene to keep the arts center open, according to a report from Technical.ly.
In December 2014, Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan recommended the county close the 4-year-old arts center, located at 1101 Wilson Blvd. in Rosslyn, citing its burden on the county’s taxpayers.
Erickson has hosted conferences and events out of the space in recent years. He’s recruited Fosterly founder Adam Zuckerman, iStrategyLabs CEO Peter Corbett and Tech.Co executive Jen Consalvo to his efforts.
Erickson said he aims to make the space sustainable by bringing in corporate partners and making it a hub for startups and investors like D.C.’s 1776, according to the report.
“There’s a real demand for that kind of collaborative environment,” Erickson told Technical.ly. “A growing demand for incubation.”
Since sending his petition to the county on April 3, Erickson has spoken with county leaders and has a meeting scheduled with Arlington’s economic development team, according to the report.
Since opening in October 2010, attendance at Artisphere has fallen short of expectations. That’s led to shorter hours at the center. A restaurant there from the owners of Guajillo, also based in Rosslyn, closed after just a few months in the space.
Following Donnellan’s recommendation, Arlington’s options for the space include subleasing it to another cultural tenant or returning it to Monday Properties. Monday Properties essentially leased the space to the county rent-free, though the county still pays expenses.
