The Arts and Culture District celebrates and promotes arts and culture in Anacostia, making Ward 8 a premier Washington, DC arts destination
(Washington, DC) – Today Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Deputy Mayor’s Office of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) provided a nearly $4 million grant to the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) to fund the creation of the Anacostia Arts and Culture District.
“The Anacostia Arts and Culture District is about creating new opportunities to highlight and support the artists, makers, and entrepreneurs who keep DC creative,” said Mayor Bowser. “We know how important it is to invest in the arts – to inspire people, develop and preserve our culture and bring the community together. We look forward to working with the community to bring another highlight and goal to Ward 8.”
The Arts and Culture District celebrates and promotes arts and culture in Anacostia, making Ward 8 a premier Washington, DC arts destination. The grant will help fund new events and programs that engage neighborhood residents and bring visitors to Ward 8, while also promoting longstanding cultural institutions in Anacostia and providing opportunities to support local artists working in a variety of media work, including visual arts and food, theatre, music, film and more. Other investments include streetscape improvements with public art and an expansion of the Anacostia BID FLO (Friendly Logistics Operators) team to support a clean and safe business district.
“Ward 8 is home to a vibrant arts scene, and arts and culture are a major driver of tourism in the district,” said Deputy Mayor John Falcicchio. “We know how much art and culture liven up our neighborhood. Not only will this grant support local artists and liven up the neighborhood for its residents, but it will also bring more diners to restaurants and retail outlets and create jobs for Washingtonians.”
This funding is an investment in the recovery and growth of the Ward 8 economy and will also support improved access to the neighborhood through a neighborhood shuttle serving residents and visitors. The vision for the arts and culture district is being led by the Anacostia BID along with community leaders, businesses and residents of Ward 8.
“The Anacostia Arts and Culture District is a transformational plan to create places that put arts and culture at the forefront,” said Kristina Noell, executive director of the Anacostia BID. “This grant will help us amplify the creativity and artistic innovation that has always existed at Ward 8 and create a vibrant place that speaks to the community and visitors alike. We are honored to work with Mayor Bowser’s administration to make the Arts and Culture District a reality.”
Mayor Bowser also invested $5 million in two other innovation districts earlier this year, the Penn West Equity and Innovation District and the Southwest Mobility Innovation District. Visit obviouslydc.com for more information on other corporate funding opportunities and initiatives.
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