In 1989, sociologists Ray Oldenburg and Karen Christensen argued that third spaces are the lifeblood of cities and neighborhoods. It was in third spaces such as coffee shops, libraries, and community centers where people could collaborate, relax, converse, and share ideas outside of their homes or workplaces. On any day of the week, you’ll find all this at the Anacostia Arts Center.

Owned by the Margolis family since the 1930s, the Anacostia Arts Center was sold to ARCH Development in 2011. Anacostians were vociferous in their demand for a venue that would reflect their neighborhood’s multifaceted creativity, so in 2013 the arts center transitioned to incorporate retail, performance, and exhibition space in addition to an entrepreneurial hub called the HIVE. For more than a decade, this c

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