WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) announced the promotion of community arts leader Messay Derebe to Executive Director of the Anacostia Arts Center (AAC), effective June 16, 2026.
The high-profile appointment comes at a critical juncture for the historic Ward 8 institution. Derebe will take the helm of what residents affectionately call the “living room of Anacostia” as the organization navigates a sweeping physical renovation, preparing for a highly anticipated grand reopening in February 2027.
A Proven Leader for a Cultural Institution
Derebe is a familiar face to the local creative ecosystem. She has already spent years steering the AAC through its complex current renovation, maintaining deep neighborhood ties, and creating community programming that expands beyond the building’s physical footprint.
During her tenure at the center, Derebe has successfully spearheaded several signature initiatives:
- The Fusion Festival: A multi-disciplinary neighborhood celebration highlighting the diverse creative talents of the Anacostia corridor.
- The Collective Wellbeing Program: An initiative focused on expanding local access to wellness and creative outlets.
- The Seed to Storefront Initiative: A partnership launched alongside Wells Fargo and Building Bridges Across the River designed to provide clear pathways, education, and support for aspiring retail entrepreneurs.
“Messay brings the kind of leadership this moment requires,” said Shannan Herbert, CEO of WACIF. “She understands the importance of arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and community, and she understands what the Anacostia Arts Center means to the people who call it home.”
Deep Roots in Capital, Culture, and Commerce
Derebe’s background reflects a distinct blend of financial acumen and artistic advocacy. A violinist herself, she holds a Master’s degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
Her 18-year career spans corporate finance at Ernst & Young, local philanthropy as a Program Officer for the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, and a previous stint at WACIF as the founding Program Director of the Enterprising Women of Color (EWOC) program. She also cofounded goARTful, a visual arts subscription service designed to make art collecting more accessible.
Most recently, Derebe worked as a Program Analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce, helping oversee the launch of the federal $125 million Capital Readiness Program, which provides technical assistance, incubators, and capital access to underserved entrepreneurs nationwide.
“For years, the AAC has been a place where artists, entrepreneurs, and community members have not only found resources, but have felt valued and supported,” Derebe said regarding her promotion. “This renovation will allow us to build on that legacy and expand what is possible.”
The Road to 2027
Since opening its doors in 2013, the Anacostia Arts Center has stood as a unique hybrid asset east of the river—serving as the only space in the District where artists and small business owners can refine their craft, scale a business, and directly tap into WACIF’s small business capital products under one roof. The building also houses The HIVE, a prominent local co-working space.
When the doors officially swing open to the public in February 2027, the reimagined facility will feature modernized spaces for The HIVE, expanded technical assistance resources for Ward 7 and 8 business owners, and an upgraded architectural design intended to cement the space as one of Washington’s premium creative economy hubs.
To learn more about the ongoing construction updates and view early layout renderings of the new facility, you can view the design blueprints directly on the Anacostia Arts Center Reimagined Portal.
