Virginians for the Arts

08/10/2026

We’ve moved! 📍

This summer, VFTA entered a new era through our partnership with Randolph College’s MFA in Arts Leadership program. Not only do we have a new physical home base at Randolph, we also are bringing energetic, capable graduate students on board to support our membership, communications, and operations.

It’s a fresh chapter for how we work: creative, sustainable, and rooted in developing the next generation of arts leaders. We can’t wait to show you what’s next! 🎨

12/08/2025

🎨 Join us for Arts Advocacy Day on January 22 in Richmond!

Virginians for the Arts will gather at the Capitol to remind lawmakers that the arts are essential to Virginia’s economy, education system, and quality of life. Your presence can make a real difference — a single conversation with a Delegate or Senator can influence votes on arts funding in the weeks ahead.

📍 8:00 AM – Meet at McGuireWoods (Frances Hayes Room, 18th Floor)
We’ll begin with a briefing that includes:
• Key talking points and a one-page handout
• Tips on how to introduce yourself and make an effective ask
• A review of scheduled visits and suggested offices to drop by
• Guidance on navigating the General Assembly Building

🏛️ 9:00–11:45 AM – Legislative Visits & Committee Sessions
Participants will visit lawmakers, leave materials, and observe committee meetings where arts-related budget decisions are shaped. Members of our team will also meet with key budget staff throughout the morning.

🎤 12:00 PM – House Gallery
We anticipate Delegate Rae Cousins will recognize Virginians for the Arts and highlight the importance of arts in our communities (timing to be confirmed). We’ll gather in the gallery to show a strong, united presence.

✅ How to Prepare
• Mark your calendar and RSVP .org
• Schedule a meeting with your Delegate and Senator if possible
• Bring a photo ID
• Wear comfortable shoes — we’ll be moving throughout the Capitol complex

Arts Advocacy Day works because people like you show up. Your stories and your impact in your communities are the most powerful tools we have to secure strong public investment in the arts.

11/11/2025

Arts Advocacy Workshop! RSVP Here: https://vaforarts.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6a09c2e3b36020abc57374ffb&id=e2a252759c&e=b651592b7d

As we head into Virginia’s budget process, Virginians for the Arts is hosting a focused Arts Advocacy Workshop on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 PM (ET) to help equip our members with timely strategies, messages, and practical next steps as the next legislative session approaches.

Featured speakers

Damon Effingham, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Wolf Trap

Jay Dick, Senior Director of Advocacy and Partnerships in the Government Affairs, Americans for the Arts

Fran Bradford, Senior Vice President, McGuireWoods Consulting’s Virginia Government Relations and National Education Practice teams

09/15/2025

Piedmont Arts in Martinsville is critical to the cultural ecosystem of Southwest Virginia. Learn how they make the arts free to many and make critical impact to the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1961 and now a fully accredited partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the American Alliance of Museums, Piedmont Arts in Martinsville st...

08/06/2025

🎧 New Podcast Episode: "Public Investment, Rural Impact: The Arts in Bath County, VA"

In this episode of Small Town/Big Arts, we learn how public arts funding through the Virginia Commission for the Arts powers deep, lasting impact in one of the Commonwealth’s smallest but most culturally vibrant counties.

🎻 At the Garth Newel Music Center, world-class musicians perform year-round, supported in part by public investment.
🎨 At the Bath County Arts Association, local leaders are opening a new community art space and running one of Virginia’s largest regional art shows.

This is what rural creativity looks like when it’s supported, resourced, and rooted in community.

📍Listen now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/35Ho-9wTv3o?feature=shared or your favorite podcast platform (search Small Town Big Arts)
🔗 Learn more and take action at https://vaforarts.org

07/29/2025

🎭 A National Call to Action for the Arts & Humanities 🎨

Now is the time to make your voice heard. Congress is deciding FY 2026 funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—and we must ensure these investments continue to reach every community in America.

Here’s why it matters:
📊 The arts fuel 4.2% of the U.S. GDP and support 5.4 million jobs
📚 Arts education improves outcomes in school and beyond
🤝 Arts participation builds civic and community engagement
🏥 Creative therapies support veterans, aging adults, and mental health
🌎 Cultural heritage connects us across time and place

📢 Take action today:

Contact your members of Congress:
👉 house.gov/representatives
👉 senate.gov/senators

Share why the arts and humanities matter to YOU

Use these hashtags to amplify your message:



’reLOCALandWe’reVOCALfortheARTS

Let’s ensure our representatives know: Arts funding is essential. Our communities are counting on it.

07/19/2025

Follow us and learn more about how you can advocate for public funding for the arts in Virginia.

07/16/2025

🎉 We are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary group of new leaders to the Virginians for the Arts Board of Directors!

Please join us in celebrating these accomplished arts advocates and creative changemakers:

✨ Abigail Gomez, founder and director of Arte Libre VA, a passionate leader fostering creative empowerment and equity across Virginia and beyond.
✨ Tyler Godsey, founder and director of 5 Points Music Sanctuarynts Music Sanctuary in Roanoke, inspiring inclusive experiences through the power of sound and live events.
✨ Kelley Drake, artist and chair of the Fredericksburg Arts Commissionricksburg Arts Commission, championing public art and creative community engagement.
✨ Heidi Pinkston, Executive Director of Piedmont Artsnt Arts, a steadfast advocate for arts education and community access to the arts.
✨ Damon Effingham, government relations expert at Wolf TrapTrap, dedicated to building strong partnerships and advancing public support for the arts.
✨ Stuart Holt, President & CEO of ArtsFairfax, a dynamic leader strengthening community through the arts.

Their diverse expertise and shared commitment to the arts will help strengthen our mission to ensure that the arts continue to flourish across the Commonwealth.

👏 Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!

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07/10/2025

AFTA has developed a complete NEA-NEH advocacy toolkit for grassroots engagement for your congressional district, featuring ready-to-use templates for Congressional constituent emails, press releases, and op-eds. All materials emphasize key messages around economic impact, community vitality, strong bipartisan support, and modest federal investment.

Economic Impact: $1.2 trillion contribution to U.S. economy, 4.2% of GDP

Community Vitality: The NEA stands as one of the federal government’s most efficient agencies, consistently exceeding its required 1:1 match of private to public funds and delivering strategic investments that power local economies across the country

Bipartisan Supports: Arts funding continues to have strong cross-party backing even in these politically polarizing times

Modest Investment: Current federal support equals just 62 cents per person

Timely Connection: Both NEA and NEH chairs serve on White House Task Force for America’s 250th celebration.

https://artsusa.emlnk9.com/lt.php?x=3DZy~GE7IXOgD5N7_A26WRJ02a2hjtP0v-s4YHI5InPNEs_.-Uy.zuNu1o2jjNQ~juZAY5DLJk

07/08/2025

VFTA President Elect, Geoffrey Kershner has been named to the Mid Atlantic Arts Board! Kershner will lead the VFTA board beginning July 17th and looks forward to promoting arts funding in the Commonwealth.

The VCA celebrates Geoffrey Kershner for his recent appointment with the Mid Atlantic Arts Board of Directors! A regional partner of the VCA, Mid Atlantic Arts supports and nurtures the arts across the Mid-Atlantic region, providing grants and programs that foster cultural exchange and creative development.

Geoff brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Board, serving as CEO at the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg and founder of the Endstation Theatre Company. Join us in congratulating him and his contributions to the arts across the Commonwealth and the Mid-Atlantic region!