About Us

The Mission

Arena Social Arts Club is a DC Based, 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Arts organization with the mission to highlight minority artists/curators and showcase visual, performing and literary arts in a multifunctional community space that aims to advance the importance of cultural arts through events and authentic engagement.

The Vision

We support and uplift the integrity of artists/curators of color and preserve the history and heritage of African-American culture through art. By providing artists/curators of color with studio and gallery space, our desire is to ensure success in an industry that lacks diversity. All participating artists will retain 100% of the sale of original artwork and receive the necessary mentorship, resources, and tools to expand their expertise in the arts; au gratis.

About The Founder

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Meet Ian Callender, the mastermind behind Arena Social Arts Club—a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for transforming forgotten spaces into vibrant hubs of creativity. A native of the District of Columbia, Ian's journey began with a love for sneakers and urban culture, evolving into a mission to redefine community spaces through art.

Driven by his deep-rooted connection to the city and its culture, Ian founded Suite Nation in 2005, pioneering sneaker parties and live painting events. His innovative spirit led him to reimagine abandoned buildings, breathing new life into iconic landmarks like Sandlot, and Blind Whino, now known as Culture House DC. With each project, Ian's commitment to showcasing minority artists and fostering cultural exchange shines through, making him a true champion of artistic expression in the nation's capital.