Artomatic opened its doors today at noon for its tenth year anniversary. This unjuried art extravaganza will occupy 55 M Street SE for the next five weeks and during that time will house a smattering of art, music, performance, film, fashion and more.

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic has been housed in every quadrant of D.C. (and once in Virginia), and annually transforms an unfinished indoor space into a creative haven, welcoming all artists who want to exhibit. This year is Artomatic’s largest event ever, hosting over 1,000 visual artists and 1,500 performance artists with three music stages, a dance stage, a stage for comedy, and return of the British Ink tattoo parlor.

Artomatic also has an international presence, with the inclusion of one of D.C.’s Sister Cities, Sunderland, England. Thirty seven artists and businesses from Sunderland are participating in Artomatic including glass artists and musical acts. D.C. was introduced to glass art from Sunderland last year in Glass3, an exhibit produced by Artomatic.

Helping to usher in Artomatic’s tenth year this morning was a long line up of speakers and well wishers from Artomatic partners and government officials, including Capitol Riverfront, Monument Realty, the Mayor’s office, and councilman Tommy Wells (Ward 6). The theme of the speakers was the “emerging” neighborhood of the Capitol Riverfront. The majority of the remarks highlighted the neighborhood’s best qualities and expanding infrastructure.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton made an appearance and praised both Artomatic and Monument Realty, one owner of 55 M Street building, by saying, “Is there a better way to make use of an empty building in the middle of a recession?”