Why Art to GO-GO
Welcome to the Anacostia Arts and Culture District
What It Means to Be the Official Arts and Culture District for Washington, D.C. — Centered in Historic Anacostia
A Cultural Legacy at the Heart of the District
Historic Anacostia is more than a neighborhood — it is one of Washington, D.C.’s oldest and most storied communities, home to generations of artists, activists, and visionaries whose work has shaped the city’s identity. As the Official Arts and Culture District for Washington, D.C., Anacostia embodies the soul of the city — a living, breathing testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of culture to transform place.
A Bridge Between Heritage and Innovation
Anacostia’s cultural history is rooted in the stories of its people — from the legacy of Frederick Douglass to the contemporary work of visual artists, musicians, and storytellers who call this community home. Being recognized as the Official Arts and Culture District formalizes what Anacostia has always been: a hub of artistic innovation grounded in heritage.
This designation honors the past while creating new pathways for creative enterprise, cultural tourism, and sustainable development that celebrate and preserve Anacostia’s unique identity.
Driving Comprehensive Economic Development
Arts and culture are powerful economic drivers — and in Anacostia, they are central to comprehensive community growth. The District designation positions the neighborhood as a catalyst for investment in creative industries, small businesses, and local entrepreneurship.
By nurturing artist-owned spaces, galleries, theaters, and cultural institutions, the Anacostia Arts and Culture District fuels job creation, increases property values responsibly, and attracts visitors and patrons from across the region — all while ensuring that economic growth supports the long-term prosperity of the residents who have built and sustained this community.
Empowering Community Through Creative Opportunity
Anacostia’s designation ensures that cultural development remains people-centered. Programs and partnerships prioritize community access, youth education, and workforce development — turning creativity into opportunity.
From public art installations to cultural festivals and artist incubators, the District creates platforms that elevate local talent, amplify local voices, and foster civic pride. By investing in the arts, we invest in education, safety, health, and community cohesion — the foundations of comprehensive neighborhood development.
A Destination for Cultural Tourism
Anacostia’s identity as D.C.’s Official Arts and Culture District also establishes it as a premier destination for cultural tourism. Visitors are invited to experience the authentic creativity of Washington — through its murals, music, food, and history — not just on the National Mall, but in the heart of a historic community east of the Anacostia River.
This recognition encourages thoughtful tourism that supports local businesses, celebrates heritage, and reinvests in the neighborhood’s cultural infrastructure.
A Model for Comprehensive Urban Growth
Anacostia’s journey from historic preservation to creative renaissance demonstrates how culture can drive comprehensive urban development. The District serves as a national model for how the arts can anchor community revitalization — fostering prosperity, inclusion, and growth rooted in local ownership and pride.
In Essence
To be the Official Arts and Culture District for Washington, D.C. means that Historic Anacostia stands as the cultural heartbeat of the nation’s capital — a place where creativity honors history, drives comprehensive economic growth, and builds a shared future of opportunity for all Washingtonians.
Mission
Mission
Mission
Our mission is to cultivate a thriving arts and culture district that celebrates creativity, fosters economic growth, and empowers artists and businesses in Ward 7 and Ward 8. Through collaboration, comprehensive engagement, and innovation, we aim to transform Anacostia into a vibrant cultural hub that uplifts the community and attracts visitors from around the world.
IMPACT DATA
40 public works in Anacostia
Art to Go-Go provided 400+ Paid Artists Job in 2024
70% Increase Revenue
for Restaurants during Art to Go-Go Events
80+ Riders Per Day
Art to Go-Go Shuttle serves 70-100 Riders Per Day
400+ Paid Artists Job
Art to Go-Go provided 400+ Paid Artists Job in 2024
3,800 organizations
Over 3,800 arts, culture and humanities organizations in the greater Washington, DC metro Area
30,000 jobs
Over 30,000 jobs in the arts, culture and humanities nonprofits in the greater Washington, DC metro Area earning more than $6 billion in revenue each year
Partnerships
Strong partnerships, especially public-private collaborations, are essential for organizations like Art to Go-Go because they leverage resources, expertise, and networks to drive sustainable impact. Public-private partnerships help bridge funding gaps, enhance community engagement, and provide access to infrastructure, policy support, and marketing channels. By working together, stakeholders can foster economic growth, support local artists, and ensure that cultural initiatives thrive. These collaborations also strengthen advocacy efforts, improve public safety, and create lasting opportunities that benefit both the community and businesses involved.
Interested in partnering with Art to Go-Go?
Contact Us
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Join Us in Making the Anacostia area a Premier Arts Destination!
Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or arts enthusiast, there are numerous ways to participate. Get involved, explore, and celebrate the vibrant creativity of the Anacostia area! Here’s how:
- ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL – Composed of artists, business and community leaders with a wide range of skills and expertise to help nurture and grow the Anacostia Arts and Culture District – Art to Go-Go. The Council’s focus is to help develop and promote community involvement in the Anacostia BID through arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. Would you like to be part of the ACE Council? If so, email info@arttogogo.org.
- Volunteer: Assist in events, workshops, discussions and community outreach.
- Donate: Support the development of local arts initiatives.
- Sponsor: Partner with us to invest in arts initiatives and cultural growth.
- Artist Submissions: Apply to have your work featured in exhibitions, murals, or events.
- Join the Creative Collective: Are you an artist or creative? Join our Creative Collective to 1) Become part of the Art to Go-Go community and network with fellow creatives 2) Explore creative opportunities 3) Access resources such as grants, exhibitions, housing and more!
