Connect, Create, Discover
Arts & Culture
The arts are for everyone, and culture comes alive at the Bender JCC! From art exhibits to book festivals and concert series to film screenings, the Bender JCC proudly celebrates the arts and puts creativity on display.
Unleash Your Creativity
Whether you’re looking to celebrate world-renowned musicians, discover emerging local artists, or nurture your inner creative genius, the Bender JCC curates remarkable cultural experiences that inspire us to embrace new perspectives and spark meaningful conversations through film, literature, music, and more.
Art and Music Classes
In addition to world-class art exhibits and unmissable performances, the Bender JCC offers a vibrant mix of art, dance, and music classes for all ages, life stages, and skill levels. Explore your creativity with visual art classes ranging from ceramics to crafting. If the performing arts are more your tune, try perfecting your pirouettes in our Dance Studio or taking private music lessons in piano, guitar, drums, and more.
Concerts and Performances
Experience musical excellence at the Bender JCC. Rising stars and renowned musicians delight and inspire in the Polinger Artists of Excellence concert series. Plus, join us for Mount Vernon Virtuosi’s free concerts, which takes place on three Sundays throughout the year for the whole community.
Art Exhibits in the Goldman Art Gallery
Every year, the Bender JCC’s Goldman Art Gallery proudly presents a rotating series of meaningful visual arts exhibits. Curated in partnership with local artists and organizations from our community, these inclusive installations celebrate the diverse identities and culture of the Greater Washington region through eclectic mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture and more. Visit the Goldman Art Gallery to explore bold artworks that reflect our vibrant community.
Cinema and Films
Between the Cinema J series and year-round film programming, the Bender JCC presents thought-provoking movie screenings and groundbreaking filmmakers, including international talent and local creators. From fiction to documentaries, we celebrate cinema’s capacity to connect and entertain, while sparking conversation, change, and impact.
Literature
From our Lessans Family Literary Series and Book Festival to author talks and summer book clubs, the Bender JCC curates a wide variety of literary genres and topics, presents thought-provoking conversations with enlightening writers, and explores the transformative power of the written word. Start a new chapter and explore everything the Bender JCC offers book lovers.
Polinger Artists of Excellence
- Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Adults (65+)
- Concerts and Performances
Lessans Family Literary Series
- Children (6-12), Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Adults (65+)
Friends of the Arts
- Adults (65+)
Cinema J
- Teens (13-17), Adults (18+), Adults (65+)
Partnering With
Support The Arts
Your gift helps support outstanding and accessible programs all year long, engaging the community through concerts, literary events, film, and visual. Help keep the Bender JCC the center of the Jewish arts community in the Greater Washington area, providing a home for you and so many others who depend on these community-building opportunities.
