Anacostia Arts Center
The Anacostia Arts Center is a nonprofit community arts center in Historic Anacostia, Washington, D.C., operated by WACIF. It provides gallery, theater, coworking, and below-market retail incubation space to local artists, Ward 7 and 8 entrepreneurs, and community residents. Currently closed for renovation until February 2027.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Anacostia Arts Center does
The Anacostia Arts Center (AAC) is a nonprofit community arts center located at 1231 Marion Barry Avenue SE in Historic Anacostia, Washington, D.C. (Ward 8). Originally developed by ARCH Development Corporation and opened in June 2013, the 9,300-square-foot facility houses a gallery, a Black Box Theater, retail incubation storefronts, and The HIVE coworking space. It is owned and managed by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), which acquired the building in December 2021 to preserve it as a community asset and is currently driving a transformative renovation scheduled to begin October 15, 2025, with an expected reopening in February 2027.
AAC operates a community-led, event-driven model serving three primary constituencies: local artists and creatives seeking affordable exhibition and performance space; Ward 7 and 8 entrepreneurs needing below-market retail and incubation support via the Seed to Storefront program (which includes a $5,000 onboarding grant, technical assistance, pro bono legal services through the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center, and Booz Allen Hamilton operational advisory); and Anacostia community residents who use the center as a cultural gathering space. Revenue is generated through a mix of below-market retail rents with escalating structures, coworking membership fees, event venue rentals (currently paused), signature events such as Fusion Festival and Afro House: Spirit Fest, donations and a Final Mile fundraising campaign, and institutional grants including a nearly $4 million Bowser/DMPED grant to the Anacostia BID for the Anacostia Arts and Culture District. The organization has 1–10 employees and leadership was restructured in June 2026 with the promotion of Messay Derebe to Executive Director ahead of the planned 2027 reopening.
Anacostia Arts Center firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Anacostia Arts Center
- Legal name
- Anacostia Arts Center
- Website
- https://anacostiaartscenter.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Anacostia Arts Center is a nonprofit community arts center in Historic Anacostia, Washington, D.C., operated by WACIF. It provides gallery, theater, coworking, and below-market retail incubation space to local artists, Ward 7 and 8 entrepreneurs, and community residents. Currently closed for renovation until February 2027.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Anacostia Arts Center industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Arts Center
- NAICS
- Museums (71211), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations (BPAGAHAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG), Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)
Keywords
Where Anacostia Arts Center is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Anacostia Arts Center business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: The center relies on donations and fundraising campaigns, including a 'Final Mile' campaign to complete renovations, with donor wall recognition starting at $500.
- Grants and Institutional Funding: Receives grants from organizations including WACIF (parent organization), and was part of a nearly $4 million grant to Anacostia BID from Mayor Bowser for arts and culture district development.
- Retail and Event Space Rental: Below-market retail incubation spaces and event venue rentals generate revenue. The Seed to Storefront program offers subsidized retail spaces with escalating rent structures.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Anacostia Arts Center retail space - 350 sq ft window-line retail |
| Subscription | Monthly | The Edmonson retail spaces |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
Anacostia Arts Center product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Anacostia Arts Center is a nonprofit community arts facility in Historic Anacostia, Washington DC, providing gallery exhibitions, Black Box Theater performances, retail incubation spaces, and coworking facilities (The HIVE) for artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. The center runs the Seed to Storefront retail incubation program with below-market rents, technical assistance, and cohort-based business training for Ward 7 and 8 entrepreneurs. It hosts signature community events including Fusion Festival and Afro House: Spirit Fest.
Product overview
The Anacostia Arts Center (AAC) is a community arts center offering a unified set of facilities and programs supporting arts, culture, and small business development in historic Anacostia, Washington DC. The center operates as a multi-disciplinary space combining physical infrastructure (gallery, Black Box Theater, coworking space called The HIVE, and retail spaces) with programmatic offerings including the Seed to Storefront retail incubation program, Fusion Festival, and Afro House: Spirit Fest. The center is managed by WACIF (Washington Area Community Investment Fund) and serves as a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and community members East of the River.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The HIVE: Coworking space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives; temporarily relocated during renovation.
- Seed to Storefront
- Fusion Festival
- Afro House: Spirit Fest
Products and services
- Anacostia Arts Center Facility A 9,300 sq ft community arts center facility in Historic Anacostia, Washington DC, serving as a home for arts, culture, and small businesses with gallery, Black Box Theater, retail incubation spaces, coworking facilities, and event space. Currently undergoing renovation with expected reopening February 2027.
- The HIVE A coworking space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives, providing affordable workspace and business incubator services to support the local arts and creative economy. Temporarily relocated during the center's renovation.
- Seed to Storefront A retail incubation program providing below-market retail space paired with technical assistance, legal support, and cohort-based business training to entrepreneurs in Ward 7 and 8. Includes a $5,000 onboarding grant and 3-year cohort terms with escalating rent structures.
- The Edmonson Retail Spaces Retail space opportunities at a newly developed property in Anacostia, offering commercial spaces including a 10,901 sq ft market anchor space, 4,940 sq ft retail space, and 6,560 sq ft food service space for community-serving businesses. Below-market rate with escalating structure over 3-10 year lease terms.
- Black Box Theater A flexible performance space within the Anacostia Arts Center used for theater productions, performances, and community events. Hosts the Resident Theatre Incubation Project launched June 2018 to nurture new theatrical work.
- Gallery Exhibition space within the Arts Center showcasing local and regional artists through rotating exhibitions and curated shows, including the annual East of the River Exhibition celebrating Ward 7 and 8 artists since 2007.
- Fusion Festival An annual festival celebrating innovation and community in the DMV region, bringing together entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders for workshops, panels, and networking with tech, arts, culture, and strategic planning tracks.
- Afro House: Spirit Fest An annual signature event celebrating Black History Month, featuring local artists, wellness practitioners, creative marketplace, and community healing activities focused on mental health, wellness, and creative expression.
- Event Venue Rentals Event venue rental services for community gatherings, performances, and celebrations at the Anacostia Arts Center. Currently paused during construction but expected to resume at reopening in February 2027.
Quantifiable outcome
- Has supported, launched, and expanded hundreds of small businesses through workshops and networking
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Anacostia Arts Center
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Anacostia Arts Center technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Anacostia Arts Center partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- D.C. Bar Pro Bono CentercoreProvides pro bono legal support for small businesses participating in the Seed to Storefront retail incubation program, including entity formation, corporate law, contracts, and leasing assistance.
- Building Bridges Across the River (BBAR)coreCo-founder of the Seed to Storefront initiative, supporting entrepreneurs east of the Anacostia River with technical assistance and retail incubation.
- Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)coreWACIF acquired the Anacostia Arts Center in December 2021 and serves as its managing organization. WACIF is powering the center's transformative renovation and continues to support local arts and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ward 7 and 8.
- Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)corePartner for The Edmonson retail spaces, offering below-market commercial real estate for small businesses in Anacostia.
- Booz Allen HamiltoncoreProvides hands-on advisory support for cohort participants including retail readiness, financial planning, store operations, and business growth strategy.
- EDENSminorReal estate development partner contributing expertise for Seed to Storefront program, including real estate decisions, lease terms and negotiations, and food halls.
- East River JazzminorPartner for monthly East River Jazz Brunch series, providing jazz programming at the arts center café.
- Anacostia BIDcoreBusiness Improvement District partner supporting Art to GoGo program that funded Jordan Foshee's Dream Domain exhibition.
- Far Southeast CollaborativeminorProgrammatic partner for Fusion Festival bringing together leaders and innovators from the DMV region.
- DC Start Up WeekminorProgrammatic partner for Fusion Festival innovation and entrepreneurship programming.
- Georgetown University Communications, Culture and Technology ProgramminorAcademic partner for Fusion Festival educational programming and thought leadership.
- ARCH Development CorporationcoreOriginal developer and operator of the Anacostia Arts Center. Founded in 1991, ARCH focuses on economic regeneration of Historic Anacostia using arts, cultural, and creative economy development.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Anacostia Arts Center competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Flashpoint: DC creative venue offering exhibition, performance, and residency programming. Comparable as a multi-disciplinary community arts space supporting emerging artists and arts-driven small businesses.
- Joe's Movement Emporium: Community-rooted performing arts and media arts center in the DC metro area combining theater, gallery, and workforce training — analogous to AAC's theater + gallery + community development mission.
- Atlas Performing Arts Center: Washington DC community arts venue combining theater, gallery, and artist-support programming. Operates as a multi-tenant creative hub similar to AAC's Black Box Theater + gallery + retail incubation model.
- Honfleur Gallery: Anacostia-adjacent DC gallery and a current AAC programmatic partner running the East of the River Distinguished Artist Award. Comparable as a community-rooted visual arts venue serving Ward 7 and 8 artists.
- CulturalDC: DC-based nonprofit that develops creative real estate and supports arts venues and artist-led spaces. Directly comparable to AAC's combined arts-venue + small-business incubation focus.
- The DC Arts Center: Community arts organization in the DC region offering gallery and performance programming with a mission similar to AAC's local artist development and exhibition focus.
Regional players
- Smith Center for Healing and the Arts: DC-based nonprofit integrating arts programming with community health and economic inclusion — overlapping AAC's cultural programming + community economic development focus.
- Studio 380: Historic Anacostia-based arts and cultural organization operating in the same neighborhood as AAC, with comparable mission of community-rooted arts programming and cultural preservation.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Anacostia Arts Center social profiles
Digital presenceAnacostia Arts Center financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Anacostia Arts Center leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Anacostia Arts Center subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Anacostia Arts Center funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Anacostia Arts Center M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Anacostia Arts Center
What does Anacostia Arts Center do?
The Anacostia Arts Center is a nonprofit community arts facility in Historic Anacostia, Washington DC, providing gallery exhibitions, Black Box Theater performances, retail incubation spaces, and coworking facilities (The HIVE) for artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. The center runs the Seed to Storefront retail incubation program with below-market rents, technical assistance, and cohort-based business training for Ward 7 and 8 entrepreneurs. It hosts signature community events including Fusion Festival and Afro House: Spirit Fest.
Is Anacostia Arts Center a public or private company?
Anacostia Arts Center is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Anacostia Arts Center founded?
Anacostia Arts Center was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Anacostia Arts Center based?
Anacostia Arts Center is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Anacostia Arts Center make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are grants and Institutional Funding and retail and Event Space Rental.
Who are Anacostia Arts Center's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Flashpoint, Joe's Movement Emporium, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Honfleur Gallery, CulturalDC and The DC Arts Center. Regional players are Smith Center for Healing and the Arts and Studio 380.
Does Anacostia Arts Center have an API?
No public API is recorded for Anacostia Arts Center.
What industry is Anacostia Arts Center in?
Anacostia Arts Center's product category is Community Arts Center. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAHAD, Cultural Centers & Community Cultural Organizations, with a secondary code of BPAGAHAB, Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music). Its NAICS code is 71211 and its SIC code is 7900.