Mission
Joe’s Movement Emporium is the community performing arts center of World Arts Focus, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1992. The mission is to promote participation and practice in dance, movement, and performing arts traditions from around the world while using the arts as a key tool to revitalize community.
History
Founded in 1992, World Arts Focus provides educational and cultural programs incorporating dance, movement and performing arts traditions from around the world. Joe’s Movement Emporium, the performing arts center of World Arts Focus, serves as a professional space for artists by providing rehearsal and performance space, and also serves as a hub for community-driven activities. In 1995, Joe’s leased a storefront studio space in Mount Rainier. The organization became one of the primary drivers of the arts-based redevelopment strategy involving four municipalities along the Route 1 corridor that stretches from the District of Columbia border to East-West Highway. As part of this revitalization effort, these communities became a state-designated Arts and Entertainment Zone called the Gateway Arts District. In January 2007, Joe’s opened a new performing arts facility in Mount Rainier, MD, becoming a leading cultural resource in Prince George’s County. Today, Joe’s Movement Emporium is the hub of Mount Rainier’s network of artists, creative families, green entrepreneurs and progressive activists. Its 3.2 million adapted re-use warehouse boasts a cadre of established artists in residence; a presenting season; daily adult movement classes and strong youth development programs.