FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does the DC Creative Affairs Office (CAO) do?

The DC Creative Affairs Office is working on improving policy, policy awareness, and regulation; establishing partnerships to improve personal and physical infrastructure; and expanding economic mobility for the District's entrepreneurs. You can read our mission here.

Is the DC Creative Affairs Office (CAO) an independent agency?

CAO is not an agency, it is a division of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) which is an agency within the DC Government.

How is the CAO different from 202Creates and the Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH)?

CAO is an office focused on policy, legislation, economic mobility and infrastructure partnerships, all that benefit the creative community. 202Creates is an initiative that provides resources, entrepreneurship training, and promotion to grow the District's creative economy. CAH is the primary granting agency that supports the arts and humanities in DC, and it encourages the development of programs that promote progress in the arts and humanities.

How can I get business advice for my creative business?

The Creative Affairs Office was created to support the District's creative community. CAO provides business support through its Business Over Brand Program. 202Creates provides support through its entrepreneurship residency program and office hours. You can also find support from The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) and The DC Small Business Resource Center.