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DC Music Summit (DCMS) was founded in 2016 by Dior Ashley Brown, a Black woman and passionate creative artist. Brown saw an opportunity to highlight the intersection of musical creativity and entrepreneurship, aiming to support developing musicians in her community. DCMS was established to help musicians grow, monetize their skills, build their businesses, and create sustainability through their craft.

Granted nonprofit status in 2020, DCMS addresses four major challenges affecting creative professionals in the District of Columbia: access, infrastructure, community, and oppression. Systemic racism and sexism have historically inhibited artists and industry professionals, particularly people of color and women, from advancing their careers. Independent and local musicians often lack access to the education, tools, and skills needed to sustain their livelihood in the rapidly developing DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area, where affordable spaces for artists are dwindling.

Despite a rich history of music creation and community resilience, the DMV is not nationally recognized for a robust music industry. The region lacks the critical infrastructure and resources necessary for music professionals to thrive, causing many to leave in search of success elsewhere. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, leading to venue closures and limited live performances, making it difficult for artists to rehearse, collaborate, and connect.

DCMS has become part of the solution, formalized as a 501(c)(3) membership-based organization. It offers a supportive platform for local music professionals to build community, acquire skills, and find inspiration to thrive in the evolving music industry. DCMS serves artists and industry members across an extensive geographic network, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for networking, learning, and sharing diverse experiences and talents.

Through flagship festivals, and conferences, DCMS encourages both local and nationwide participation, creating ongoing opportunities for music industry professionals to collaborate online and in person. The organization focuses on sectors with the greatest needs, particularly people of color and women, by facilitating educational programs and providing guidance in business, marketing, and other practical skills necessary for independent careers. Workshops on business and financial planning, grant writing, branding, and promotion support financial aptitude and strategy. DCMS recruits experts in business, finance, law, and marketing to serve as mentors and coaches, often pro bono or at a non-prohibitive cost.

Collaborations with industry partners enable DCMS to offer services and guidance to members and maintain online resources. At its core, DCMS nurtures inspiration, encouraging artists to cultivate ideas and relationships that empower them to elevate their crafts and careers. The organization hosts forums to develop and share new business models, connects members with experts and thinkers from inside and outside the industry, and provides online resources on business development and design thinking.

DCMS also upholds values of health and wellbeing for artists. Recognizing the extreme demands of the competitive music industry, which disproportionately affect women and people of color, DCMS is committed to systemic healing and care. Learn more at https://dcmusicsummit.org.