Over the last decade, the Central Virginia region has witnessed dramatic positive changes in its cultural life. New organizations have emerged like Richmond CenterStage Foundation and Curated Culture. Existing organizations (e.g. Richmond Ballet, Virginia Historical Society, Visual Arts Center and VMFA) through major capital improvement programs have expanded/are expanding and their programs transformed. Others, like Theatre IV and the Valentine Richmond History Center, have creatively joined with organizations with similar missions and programs to enhance their own programs. Individual artists and independent galleries flourish. VCU School for the Arts continues to grow. New venues have created opportunities (and challenges) for the Richmond Symphony, the Virginia Opera, the Richmond Jazz Society and the Richmond Ballet. New activities are occurring not just in the city but across the region.
The Plan aims to take advantage of this momentum in the cultural sector and establish a unified voice for ongoing civic dialogue.
What is the big picture goal of the Cultural Action Plan?
The plan will look broadly at the importance of arts and culture in our region to create a collective and inclusive vision for the area’s cultural sector. It will identify strategies to increase participation, financial support, awareness and collaborative opportunities that will lay the foundation for a thriving cultural landscape.
Cities across the nation have developed cultural plans that have successfully guided the promotion, planning, development, and funding of their community’s arts and cultural organizations.
Who is leading this effort?
A Task Force comprised of representatives from cultural organizations, corporations, and local area governments formed in the spring of 2008 to work toward the common goal of creating an inclusive, collective vision for arts and culture in the Richmond Region. Supporting them in this initiative are the Arts Council of Richmond, Affiliates and Board of the ArtsFund, members of the Richmond area group of museums, member organizations of the Alliance for the Performing Arts, the executive committee of CenterStage Foundation and members and Board of the Arts and Cultural Funding Consortium. The Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence of The Community Foundation Serving Richmond & Central Virginia is serving as the fiscal agent for the process.
What is the process for developing the Plan?
Consultants, WolfBrown, were selected by the Task Force in order to develop the cultural planning process after a nationwide call for proposals. WolfBrown enjoys a reputation as one of the country’s leading advisors to foundations, public agencies and charitable organizations.
The process synthesizes two planning streams: public participation and information gathering/research. Focus groups, in-person interviews, community forums, and a public survey are the components of the public participation segment. Budget and attendance surveys and educational systems questionnaires are being used to gather information on the current state of arts and cultural institutions.
What is the timeline of the project?
The project is about three quarters finished as of December 2008. The Plan is scheduled for completion in March/April 2009.
How is the Plan being funded?
The project is being funded through the generous support of: Altria, Dominion, Wachovia, MeadWestvaco, Genworth, The Community Foundation, The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation, First Market Bank, SunTrust Bank, Bank of America, and the University of Richmond.
How Can the Community Get Involved?
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in any of the upcoming Community Meetings, which are being held across the Region.
Monday, January 12, 2009
4:00-6:00pm
Hanover School Board
200 Berkley Street
Ashland, VA 23005
Monday, January 12, 2009
7:00-9:00pm
Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center
4901 Old Brook Rd
Richmond, VA 23227
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
4:00-6:00pm
Cultural Center of India
6641 Ironbridge Parkway
Chester, Va. 23831
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
7:00-9:00pm
Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
2880 Mountain Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
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