About artWORKS Collaborative

ArtWORKS Collaborative is a joint initiative between the Didlake Foundation and ARTfactory, designed to create meaningful opportunities for individuals with different abilities to engage in the arts, gain employment skills, and participate fully in community cultural life.

The program blends ARTfactory’s strengths of arts education, creative learning, and community events with Didlake’s mission of creating opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities through employment, training, and community inclusion.

Creative Fun. Real Skills. Big Possibilities.

ArtWORKS Collaborative brings visual arts, performing arts, and workforce development together in a fun, inclusive space where artists of all abilities can grow. Through hands‑on creation, stage experiences, and behind‑the‑scenes arts management skills, participants build confidence and real‑world abilities. Each project sparks creativity, each skill opens new doors, and every artist discovers what’s possible.

Who We Serve

ArtWorks Collaborative empowers individuals with disabilities through creative expression and inclusive skill-building experiences. Participants are encouraged to explore their talents, build confidence, and discover new opportunities for personal growth.

We are committed to creating opportunities that enrich lives and eliminate barriers to participation.

Offering Hands-On Learning Opportunities

ArtWORKS participants engage in hands-on creative projects, workforce readiness training, collaborative experiences, and skill-building opportunities designed to support personal growth and future success. Some of our offered activities are listed below.

Arts Admin & Workforce Skills

Gallery Preparation, Hospitality and Event Setup and Break-Down, Inventory Management, Customer Service Skills, Basic Office and Admin Tasks

Visual Arts

Painting, Mixed Media, Sculpture, Drawing, Illustration, Collaborative Murals, and Set Design/Build

Peforming Arts

Creative Movement, Games, Scene Work, Music and Rhythm Exploration, Small Showcase Performances, Storytelling and Spoken Word

Digital & Media Arts

Digital Illustration, Photography, Intro to Video Creation, Social Media Content Creation

List of classes and workshops coming soon!

Opportunity Begins With Creativity

ArtWORKS Collaborative turns artistic expression into real pathways for employment and empowerment. Together, The Didlake Foundation and ARTfactory open doors for artists and arts lovers of all abilities to grow their talent, build confidence, and discover new possibilities.

Contact us for more information:

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 703-330-2787

Presented by Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory