Dear Anacostia Arts Center

As we prepare to temporarily close your doors, we are reflecting on all that you have been and all that you represent. You have stood as a beacon of creativity, community, and opportunity, and your impact on this neighborhood is immeasurable. Through your halls have passed countless artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, each leaving their mark and taking a piece of you with them as they grew.

You have been a space for gathering, for celebration, and for transformation. You have hosted markets and intimate performances, thought-provoking talks, and joyous celebrations of DC’s culture. You have witnessed the launch of small businesses and the birth of artists. You have held the tears of disappointment and celebration of many wins. You have been a home, not just to our tenants, but to an entire community that believes in the power of creativity and entrepreneurship and gathering spaces to shape a better future.

We are so grateful for all you have given, to the people of Anacostia, to the city, and to all who have walked through your doors. You have been more than a building; you have been a catalyst for growth and a sanctuary for ideas. A true center for possibilities. 

And now, it is time for us to give back to you. It is time to care for you as you have cared for so many. This period of construction is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about ensuring that you can continue your mission of service for decades to come. We are excited to invest in your future, to enhance your capacity, improve your spaces, and prepare you for the next chapter of your journey.

While your doors may be temporarily closed, the mission you embody will continue. We are committed to ensuring that the spirit of the Anacostia Arts Center lives on through satellite programs, partnerships, and opportunities that serve the community even during this time of transition. 

And when the day comes to reopen, we will return stronger, ready to pick up where we left off and to build upon the incredible foundation you have laid.

Thank you, Anacostia Arts Center, for everything you have been. Thank you for your service, your inspiration, and your steadfast presence in this community. 

We honor your past and look forward with hope and excitement to your future.