There’s a buzz around The SPACE – and with good reason. As some community members have asked, “What’s happening with The SPACE?” it’s important to clarify that The SPACE is not closing. In fact, it’s growing. While asked to vacate the Upper SPACE location at Beltway Plaza, regular programs like yoga, sewing and music are continuing uninterrupted, and exciting new opportunities are unfolding.
Beltway Plaza management recently informed The SPACE that a potential new tenant may be moving into the former Big Lots store location, where The SPACE has offered free weekly classes, special events and children’s programming since 2021. As a result, The SPACE has been asked to remove all items and materials from the Upper SPACE by July 15. However, the organization has been invited to continue offering regular programming there until the location is formally occupied – possibly in the fall.
Thanks to generous support from the Greenbelt Community Foundation and American Rescue Plan Act funding from the City of Greenbelt, the Upper SPACE expansion in 2021 allowed The SPACE to dramatically increase its impact. Programs like Bloom with Intention (yoga and meditation), Sew, What?! and Strings & Keys music classes have since become beloved fixtures for the community. The Upper SPACE also served as the home of a play area developed with longtime partner Playtime Project, offering a nurturing environment for local children and families.
While the closing of the Upper SPACE may force the relocation of some programs, The SPACE remains active with two vibrant storefronts downstairs, directly across from AMC Theatre. The E2 Lab (Electronics & Entrepreneurship Lab) is a program that houses cutting-edge creative technology including 3D printers, a laser engraver, heat presses and tools for video production, digital design and AI art creation. The ARTrepreneur training program teaches participants of all ages how to fuse creativity with business, equipping them with skills in entrepreneurship, digital fabrication and content creation. The Third SPACE Lounge serves as a welcoming community hub for connection, conversation and healing. Its back office now operates as a workforce and business development center, offering free computer access, resumé-building tools and training programs in partnership with Employ Prince George’s.
One of the Best Investments
With a small budget, an all-hands-on-deck mentality and a deep commitment to equity, The SPACE delivers free, high-quality programming to numerous families each year. From youth workshops and maker camps to healing circles, expressive art and workforce development, The SPACE continues to punch far above its weight – and every donation makes a powerful impact.
“What started in a basement has grown into a regional model for community healing and creative entrepreneurship,” says Shaymar Higgs, founder and executive director. “We’re honored to be expanding – not just in spirit but physically as well – toward opportunities in Washington, D.C., and beyond.”
The SPACE is deeply grateful to Beltway Plaza management, especially “Rusty” Kerber and the late Marc “Kap” Kapastin, who have supported its presence since 2018, when they offered the use of the original storefront rent-free. That support helped transform a simple idea into a vibrant community institution, where underserved communities can access tools, training and transformation.
As The SPACE launches a Round-Up Campaign and prepares for its upcoming community auction, this moment of transition is also a time of great momentum. Every dollar donated helps The SPACE remain independent, accessible and committed to those most often pushed out or overlooked.
To learn more or donate, visit FreeArtForAll.org or follow
@thespacefreeartforall on Instagram and Facebook
