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Mr. West is a Navy veteran, technologist, and interdisciplinary artist dedicated to empowering creative communities. As founder of StudioPlace and Executive Director of ArtsGroup Inc., he has spent the past decade transforming spaces across the DC region into centers for art, learning, and opportunity.

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Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, Mr. West is a Navy veteran, interdisciplinary artist, and technology professional with over 30 years of experience, including service as a Computer Scientist for the U.S. National Security Agency. He now serves as Executive Director of ArtsGroup Inc. and founder of the StudioPlace A&R Complex — a creative hub in the DC region dedicated to transforming overlooked spaces into places of culture, opportunity, and growth.

In his public service career, Mr. West works as a Chief Information Officer for the DC Government, focusing on governance, cybersecurity, and AI research. His projects have included initiatives like ParkMobile, DCFREEWIFI, and Cybersecurity Training.

Rooted in discipline and driven by purpose, Mr. West’s mission is to empower artists with access, mentorship, and tools that help them build sustainable creative lives.

Vision Architect