Developing Washington, DC's Arts & Culture District

From the National Governors Association, "Arts and culture are important to state economies. Arts and culture-related industries, also known as "creative industries," provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: They create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases. These industries also provide an array of other benefits, such as infusing other industries with creative insight for their products and services and preparing workers to participate in the contemporary workforce. In addition, because they enhance quality of life, the arts and culture are an important complement to community development, enriching local amenities and attracting young professionals to an area. Governors increasingly recognize the importance of the creative sector to their states' economy and ability to compete in the global marketplace. A number of factors underscore the connection between economic competitiveness and creativity."

The Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID) believes Arts & Culture and economic development can be leveraged to develop sustainable, connected communities. This placemaking plan (DC's Arts and Culture District), established in Historic Anacostia, is an approach that puts arts, culture, and technology in the forefront and provides a sense of place, stimulates the local economy, connects us, and creates vibrancy.

As the Anacostia BID, we incorporate what community stakeholders love about Ward 8, pay attention, and pay homage to a vision for arts and culture that leverages existing skills, cultural and technology resources, and planned projects that extend into the future.

Our vision for the Anacostia Arts and Culture District is a feast for the senses that showcases our small businesses and collective communities' creativity, arts, history, music, entertainment, the sights and aromas of Chefs preparing culinary morsels to taste, events, discussions, and more.

The District of Columbia is a world-class destination; as both advocates and stewards, the Anacostia BID (in conjunction with partners including the District of Columbia government) aims to create a space in Historic Anacostia and the greater Ward 8 community for the creative economy to continue flourishing. This goal builds on the Anacostia BID's long-held mission of "maintaining a thriving, safe, clean, vibrant commercial and arts district."

We implore business community members, tourists, and partners to join the Anacostia BID in this journey.