(Washington, DC) – December 28, 2010 - The DC Office of Planning (OP) is pleased to award funding to establish two Temporiums, or local pop-up retail shops. A Temporium transforms vacant storefronts or spaces into a temporary retail space for local entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell their work. Awardees include Mount Pleasant Main Street and Shaw Main Streets.

The Mount Pleasant Main Street Temporium will feature handmade goods from independent crafters and artists, as well as special programming such as autobiographical and theatrical storytelling, trunk shows, educational panels, and live music. The Shaw Main Streets Temporium will incorporate local fashion and design, unique art installations and offer workshops, sewing classes and special events.

Temporiums are part of the OP Temporary Urbanism initiative and help meet several objectives established by the District of Columbia through the Creative DC Action Agenda, the Retail Action Roadmap and small area plans including the Mount Pleasant Street Revitalization Strategy and the Convention Center Area Strategic Development Plan. Objectives include supporting creative entrepreneurs, activating commercial corridors and highlighting their retail potential, providing residents with unique services and activities, and promoting neighborhoods.

For information on this initiative contact Rebecca Moudry, Business Development Specialist at (202) 615-6625 or Kimberly Driggins, Associate Director for Citywide Planning at (202) 442-7600.