DowntownDC BID Names Aisha Bond as Senior Director of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
New role to advance vision for a vibrant, world-class cultural hub in Downtown D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC – The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) today announced that Aisha Bond has been selected as its inaugural Senior Director of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, a newly created leadership role designed to position Downtown D.C. as the region's premier destination for arts, culture, entertainment and sports.
Bond, an executive, entrepreneur, small business owner, and attorney, most recently served as the President of The Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC), where she led efforts to advance economic equity and inclusive growth across the region. Bond brings extensive experience in economic development, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, including in her previous role as Executive Director of North Capitol Main Street, a nonprofit supporting small and locally owned businesses through corridor management, and historic revitalization.
“This is one of the most important roles for the future of Downtown D.C.,” said Gerren Price, President and CEO of the DowntownDC BID. “Aisha brings a unique combination of strategic vision, cross-sector leadership, and a deep understanding of how arts and culture drive economic vitality. We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead for Downtown D.C. with her leadership and we are thrilled to welcome her into the DowntownDC BID family.”
Bond will lead efforts to convene and align Downtown D.C.’s cultural and entertainment institutions, while shaping a unified brand and strategy to elevate the district’s profile. She will advance public-facing programming and placemaking initiatives, and support partnerships and funding opportunities.
Bond will also play a central role in advancing the mission of the Downtown Arts, Culture and Entertainment Coalition, which was created in 2025. This coalition is made up of cultural anchors and entertainment institutions, and will advance shared goals and priorities amongst the members. Bond will continue to shape and foster how these leaders continue to work together towards the broader goal of activating downtown. This initiative is a key step in advancing an Arts and Culture District that will reinforce Downtown D.C. as the region’s premier cultural destination and better support visitation and business retention.
“Downtown D.C. already has the talent, institutions, and creative energy to be a leading cultural destination,” said Bond. “I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, work alongside our arts and entertainment partners, and help turn that potential into coordinated action and visible impact. This work starts with listening and building trust, and continues with delivering thoughtful programming, strategic partnerships, and engaging experiences that bring more people downtown and celebrate the richness of our creative community.”
Given the importance of the role, the recruitment process was structured to incorporate input from BID leadership and several members of the BID Board with deep experience in the arts and cultural sector.
The Senior Director of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment role was created to advance a coordinated cultural strategy for Downtown D.C. and strengthen collaboration among arts institutions, cultural organizations, businesses, and civic partners. The position builds on recommendations from the District’s Downtown Action Plan and the Gallery Place-Chinatown Task Force, which identified arts and culture as key drivers of economic growth, placemaking, and public engagement.
For more information about the DowntownDC BID please visit downtowndc.org. If you have any media inquiries, please contact downtowndcbid@lindarothpr.com.
About DowntownDC BID
Downtown DC is the most diverse and exciting neighborhood in one of the most important cities in the world. Here, locals and visitors find all the most thrilling experiences of DC in 140 walkable and transit-rich blocks: business, education and government; shopping and dining; parks, art, music, sports, theater, history — adding up to a bright future. Founded in 1997, the DowntownDC BID’s area includes 530 properties and is defined by Massachusetts Avenue on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west.