Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce Visits Arts’tination, Affirms the Arts as a Key Economic Force

The creative spirit of Prince George’s County was on full display as Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce, Harry Coker, visited Arts’tination, PGAHC’s facility-based creative incubator and premier art gallery located in the heart of National Harbor. During his visit, Secretary Coker experienced a wide range of visual art and handmade goods crafted by artists and artisans from Prince George’s County. He engaged directly with PGAHC leadership, learning about Arts’tination’s history, the entrepreneurial journeys of the artists, and the important role they play in Prince George’s County’s creative economy.

The visit reinforced a powerful message: the arts are not just cultural amenities—they are economic engines.

PGAHC highlighted ARTS’tination as a model for arts-driven economic development, especially in vibrant, high-foot-traffic areas like National Harbor.

This high-level recognition aligns seamlessly with PGAHC’s mission to embed the arts into the economic and cultural fabric of Prince George’s County. From job creation to tourism, small business development to placemaking, our creative sector continues to demonstrate that the arts mean business—locally and statewide.

ARTS’tination is a proud testament to that vision. Whether you're discovering an emerging artist, purchasing a handcrafted gift, or attending a cultural event, every visit supports the artists, entrepreneurs, and creative workers who power our communities.

We thank Secretary Coker and the Department of Commerce for their continued leadership and for championing the arts as vital contributors to Maryland’s economic future.