Anacostia Arts Center

04/29/2026

Applications close tomorrow for Seed to Storefront - a collaborative initiative designed to support DC entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. Through a partnership with the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), and Building Bridges Across the River, with support from Wells Fargo, this initiative provides affordable retail space, capital, legal support, and hands-on business coaching.

Selected businesses will receive:
- Free technical assistance + hands-on coaching
- Pro bono legal support
- Access to capital
- A reduced-rent retail opportunity at the Anacostia Arts Center or Barry Farm

Apply now: https://hubs.la/Q04dWB-v0

04/26/2026

This month, our neighbors over at .ded are celebrating their 6th year in business - that means 6 years of plant magic and sustainably sourced . To celebrate, the is pulling up to celebrate our connection to community and sustainability. Meet us at Grounded today from 12 to 5 PM. Hope to see you there!

04/17/2026

Small businesses are the heart of thriving communities—and we're here to help yours grow.

We're still accepting applications for Seed to Storefront, a collaborative initiative designed to support DC entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level. Through a partnership with the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH), and Building Bridges Across the River, with support from Wells Fargo, this initiative provides affordable retail space, capital, legal support, and hands-on business coaching.

Selected businesses will receive:
- Free technical assistance + hands-on coaching
- Pro bono legal support
- Access to capital
- A reduced-rent retail opportunity at the Anacostia Arts Center or Barry Farm

Applications close April 30 - learn more and apply now: https://hubs.la/Q04cBRqz0

04/08/2026

Behind these walls, something new is taking root at Anacostia Arts Center.

As construction moves forward this spring, we’re being intentional about how we build by partnering with Community Forklift, the DC area’s nonprofit reuse center for home improvement supplies, to give materials a second life and keep sustainability at the heart of this process.

This space has always been rooted in community and we’re excited to see it grow back even stronger.

Want to follow the journey? Stay updated throughout the renovation: https://hubs.la/Q04b50490

04/07/2026

Living the Prescription brings together the photographic work of Lisa Brown and the multidisciplinary visual practice of Terence Nicholson to explore how home becomes a site of care, memory, and cultural continuity when lived day to day. In conversation with Melani N. Douglass’ The Prescription is HOME: A Manifesto, this parallel exhibition shifts from declaration to presence—revealing how the manifesto’s call is embodied in the everyday acts that shape our lives and relationships.

On April 12th, we’ll host a special Artist Talk and tour of Lisa and Terence’s exhibit at the Mason Gallery. Come for bites, drinks, and an interactive artist talk moderated by Bold Yoga’s Charnal Chaney. Our special guest, Brother Whiskey, will host a special Whiskey tasting for community to enjoy. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985472334199?aff=oddtdtcreator

We’re Still Creating!
Construction hasn’t slowed us down. Anacostia Arts Center is activating spaces across the community through satellite programs and pop-up events.

03/30/2026

It’s live. Applications are open!

Seed to Storefront is now accepting applications from DC entrepreneurs ready to take their business to the next level.

Through a partnership with the Building Bridges Across the River and the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, made possible by the Wells Fargo foundation, this initiative provides affordable retail space, capital, legal support, and hands-on business coaching.

Opportunities available at the Anacostia Arts Center and Barry Farm.
Explore the spaces + apply now: https://hubs.la/Q048VFkP0

03/25/2026

We're proud to announce our partnership with George Mason Galleries! "Living the Prescription" brings together the photographic work of Lisa Brown and the multidisciplinary visual practice of Terence Nicholson to explore how home becomes a site of care, memory, and cultural continuity when lived day to day. In conversation with Melani N. Douglass’s The Prescription is HOME: A Manifesto, this parallel exhibition shifts from declaration to presence—revealing how the manifesto’s call is embodied in the everyday acts that shape our lives and relationships.

The Arts Center might be under construction, but our work continues!

On April 12th, we'll be hosting a gallery tour and artist at at Mason Galleries. Don't miss it! Register here: https://hubs.la/Q048j9sb0

03/12/2026

Afro House returned to Anacostia on Feb 28 — and the energy was beautiful.

Thank you to everyone who came out, moved with the music, supported local businesses, and created space for joy, wellness, and connection across the neighborhood.

Even as the Anacostia Arts Center undergoes renovation, the spirit of Afro House expanded into the community, transforming multiple spaces into a shared cultural experience rooted in creativity and collective care.

A HUGE thank you to our event partners:

Anacostiaded

And to our event partners, Black Leadership AIDS Crisis Coalition (), powered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, for being on the ground, sharing wellness resources, and supporting the community throughout the festival.

We’re grateful to everyone who showed up and made the day so special. Visit our website via to learn more about how the Anacostia Arts Center continues to serve and partner with the community, even during renovation!

03/10/2026

Join us for an artist meet and greet, Busboys and Poets style! Featuring local artists and long time members of the Anacostia Arts Center Community Collection project - check out their artwork on display at Busboys and Poets Shirlington. Stop by and say hello!

02/27/2026

02/26/2026

While we prepare to welcome you to this year's Afro House, we want to make sure that you spend some time with our neighbors on February 28. Here are their Afro House promotions!

Nīche by Nubian Hueman
Take $10 OFF when you spend $30. Perfect excuse to treat yourself.

Sapodilla’s Caribbean Restaurant
All-night Happy Hour starting at 4 PM. Island flavors, good vibes, no rush.

DCity Smokehouse
The BBQ brisket burger has arrived. Grab the $14.99 meal deal while it’s hot.

Marion Barry Ave Market
Fresh groceries and locally sourced treats to round out the day.
Shop. Sip. Eat. Repeat.