Monumental partners with Sports & The Arts and cllct to curate collection at new Capital One Arena and redefine fan experience for next generation
Local artists asked to apply to highlight their talent in transformational new space
For a promotional video for the District Arts Collection, CLICK HERE.
Washington, D.C. (April 10, 2025) – Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announced today the “District Arts Collection,” a groundbreaking, multi-million-dollar curated art and commemorative memorabilia collection at the new arena in downtown Washington, D.C. The District Arts Collection was created in partnership with Sports & The Arts, one of the leading organizations in large-scale art collection development and implementation, and will also be supported by cllct, MSE’s Official Cultural History and Collectibles Partner.
This brand-new immersive collection will span every interior level and the exterior of the new Capital One Arena, transforming the venue into a vibrant living gallery for guests to explore and enjoy. The collection is designed to celebrate the rich spirit and culture of Washington, D.C., and will feature a robust blend of works by local artists of all levels, photographs from renowned photojournalist Harry Benson, pieces on loan from various D.C.-area institutions, and team memorabilia and historic items from the NHL’s Washington Capitals, NBA’s Washington Wizards, WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and more.
“The District Arts Collection marks a massive step in Monumental Sports’ commitment to not only elevate the fan experience at the new arena but to create a unique destination to celebrate the vibrant artistic spirit of Washington, D.C.,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE. “This undertaking is more than just an exhibition; it’s a living tribute to our community, showcasing local talent while honoring the rich history of our region and our arena’s place within it. We invite artists to join us in this exciting journey as we transform our arena into a cultural hub for art and entertainment in the nation’s capital.”
While fans will represent the heartbeat of the new arena, the community’s artwork – brought to life through the District Arts Collection – will embody its soul. In conjunction with this announcement, local artists from throughout the DMV region are invited to submit applications to create a one-of-a-kind piece of museum-quality art or photography that celebrates the Capitals, Wizards, and/or Mystics and will be featured in this transformative space.
Local artists and muralists of all levels and experience who are interested in being considered may submit a short bio, CV, and headshot as well as up to 10 sample images of artistic pieces indicative of the style of their work and any other relevant information via a single PDF to [email protected]. PDF submissions should be no larger than 10MB and are due by May 9, 2025.
Upon selection, artists will be notified and commissioned for original works commencing this summer. All artists will be paid for their work and completed projects will be integrated into Capital One Arena throughout the various phases of construction over the next three years. In addition, artists will receive promotion by both MSE and Sports & The Arts through social media and other yet to be determined events. For more information, please visit monumentalsports.com/DistrictArtsCollection.
The following mediums will be considered:
Paintings (oils, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media)
Sketches/Drawings (pen and ink, charcoal and pastels)
Mixed Media (found objects, digital, assemblage and collage)
Textiles
Sculptures
Murals
Digital Art/Graphic Arts
Photography
“Sports & The Arts are thrilled to align with Monumental Sports in showcasing DMV artists as we celebrate their talents within the District Arts Collection,” said Tracie Speca-Ventura, founder of Sports & The Arts. “By incorporating storytelling and diverse community perspectives, the Collection gains depth, texture, and dynamic energy, enriching the powerful artworks that will call Capital One Arena home.”
MSE’s collaboration with Sports & The Arts and cllct will include both an extensive interior and exterior collection at the transformed arena. Inside, visitors can expect:
Original artworks commissioned for every level
Pieces of custom framed photography
Thousands of square feet of custom graphic wall treatments designed for storytelling and visual impact
Memorabilia exhibits showcasing historic franchise moments
To enhance the fan experience, the artwork will be brought to life through nightly interactions, curated art tours, community art programs, and an artist spotlight series.
As part of the offerings at the new arena, MSE and cllct will also introduce a new historical memorabilia collection that will honor both the building’s storied past and future milestones, with items from the Capitals, Wizards, and more both on display in the arena and on sale to fans. Fans that visit the arena can expect a range of one-of-a-kind exhibits and exclusive collectibles that will bring the fan experience to life. As announced yesterday, that will include the first pieces of the Capitals Authentics Collection: the original goal structures and nets from Alex Ovechkin’s record-tying and record-breaking 894th and 895th goals. The preserved nets will be featured in a permanent exhibit inside the team’s new venue, currently under construction, and will serve as a cornerstone for what will become a larger collection of cultural artifacts honoring Capitals greatness.
“The District Arts Collection represents a groundbreaking fusion of sports, culture, and history, and cllct is honored to help bring this vision to life,” said Darren Rovell, founder of cllct. “Our mission is to help our partners preserve and celebrate the culture that defines fandom, and through this partnership, we’re excited to support the curation of an experience that allows fans to connect with the legacies of the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics, and the vibrant D.C. community in an entirely new way.”
Today’s announcement comes as construction is underway on the brand-new Capital One Arena. MSE is taking a 360-degree approach to planning a high-tech, high-touch building that will serve millions of annual visitors for the next 25 years and set a new standard for fan experience and technological innovation.
Additional information about the brand-new Capital One Arena is available HERE.
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About Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading sports and entertainment family. Our people, players, teams, and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans, and our people. To learn more, please visit monumentalsports.com.
About Sports & The Arts
Sports & The Arts specializes in curating large-scale art installations that capture the energy, history, and culture of sports and entertainment venues. With extensive experience in project management and artist sourcing, SATA creates storytelling through visual art as they create immersive environments that celebrate teams, athletes, and iconic moments. Their expertise spans from conceptual design to installation, ensuring that each piece aligns with the venue’s identity and enhances the fan experience. By integrating diverse artistic styles, innovative materials, and interactive elements, Sports & The Arts transforms arenas and stadiums into dynamic cultural spaces that inspire and engage audiences.
About cllct
cllct is the premier destination for collectibles culture, blending journalism, community engagement, and brand partnerships to shape the future of collecting. Headquartered in New York City, cllct delivers compelling stories, industry insights, and innovative experiences that connect collectors, fans, and brands across the globe. Learn more at cllct.com and on social media.
