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Virginia Commission for the Arts

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Virginia Commission for the Arts

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The VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia.

VCA’s mission is driven by five mandates that address (1) availability and accessibility to the arts, (2) a commitment to lifelong arts learning and education, (3) a healthy and productive arts infrastructure, (4)
the arts as a vital component of the Commonwealth’s economy, and (5) an environment that is open and conducive to artistic expression. These mandates and goals are addressed by interconnecting themes
that emphasize a strong commitment of support, relationship building and active service to the arts community and citizens of the Commonwealth. These themes include:
• Enhancing VCA’s capacities through improved communications, grants making processes and response systems.
• Increasing resources for the arts through more and better relationships, partnerships and alliances with the public and private sectors.
• Identifying and facilitating synergies within the existing Commonwealth’s arts resources for greater impact, sustainability and adaptability.
• Stimulating and advancing a broader and richer dialogue about the role and value of the arts and creativity in the everyday lives of Virginians.

10/21/2026

Open call for Virginia artists!

Second Street Gallery () invites artists living in the Commonwealth of Virginia to apply for INSIDE / OUTSIDE, a juried group exhibition exploring the relationship between interior and exterior worlds through interpretations of landscape, home, history, memory, and place within the unique context of Virginia’s natural, public, and domestic settings.

Applications close on November 15, 2026.

Learn more and apply at the link in bio.

10/20/2026

The Inaugural Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Student Poetry Contest is currently accepting applications!

The competition invites elementary, middle, and high school students from across the commonwealth to showcase their creativity, celebrate Virginia’s rich identity, and share their unique voices through poetry.

Application deadline: November 16, 2026.

Learn more and apply at the link in bio.

10/19/2026

Meet Missy Harts, VCA’s New Grants Program Manager!

We’re excited to welcome Missy Harts to the VCA team! Missy will help connect artists and arts organizations across Virginia with funding opportunities that bring creative ideas to life. In her role, she will support a variety of VCA grant programs, including the Teaching and Touring Artist Rosters, Arts in Practice Grants, Virginia Touring Grants, Artist Catalyst Grants, Lifelong Learning Grants, and Operating Support for Small Organizations (OSS).

Want to get to know Missy? Visit the About Staff page on our website to learn more (link in bio)!

10/15/2026

The VCA continues to shine a spotlight on the amazing work of our grantees and Roster Artists across the commonwealth on this Thankful Thursday. Today we celebrate Region 2 grantee, The Sandler Center Foundation (), who inspire, educate, and create opportunities for the next generation through the power of the performing arts.

A huge thank you to all our extraordinary FY27 grantees and Roster Artists for the important work you do! Be sure to keep following us over the coming weeks as we lift up each of the VCA’s eight amazing regions.

10/14/2026

Virginia artists are invited to apply to the Hands-On Heritage: Skill Share Retreat, a four-day professional development experience created by Hampton Roads artist, Kelsey Courage ().

The retreat will take place on January 28–31, 2027 in Cape Charles, Virginia. Participants will explore topics related to artistic practice, creative business development, marketing, teaching, grant writing, and professional sustainability.

Application deadline: October 25, 2026.

Learn more and apply at the link in bio.

10/13/2026

The VCA proudly celebrates our fellow state agency, Virginia Humanities, during National Arts & Humanities Month for their incredible work connecting Virginians to their rich history and culture across the commonwealth!

Check out these photos showcasing the many ways the arts and humanities intersect:

Slide 1- Positive Force Line Steppaz were recently the subject of an episode of the In Common video podcast.
Slide 2- Ceramic artists Josh Manning and Aslan Freidline practice Colonial-era pottery traditions.
Slide 3- Author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson showcased the fashion design of Claire McCardell at the Virginia Festival of the Book.
Slide 4- Morgan Avery McCoy Harris, a Rosel Schewel Fellow, performs her one-woman show that brings to life the stories of ten remarkable Virginia women.

Follow Virginia Humanities () and visit VirginiaHumanities.org to learn more.

Photos by Pat Jarrett (slide 1), Katy Clune (slide 2), Nina Wilder (slide 3), and Caroline Gerke (slide 4).

10/08/2026

Happy National Arts and Humanities Month!

Welcome to the VCA’s Thankful Thursday, a moment to show gratitude for the extraordinary art happening across the commonwealth. The VCA will highlight a different grantee and/or Roster Artist each week, shining a light on their vibrant contributions, made possible in part through state and federal funding.

Today we celebrate Region 1 grantee Lamb Center for Arts and Healing (), who helps underserved communities thrive through accessible, high-quality arts programming and mind, body, spirit healing opportunities in Hopewell, Virginia.

A huge thank you to all of our extraordinary FY27 grantees and Roster Artists for the important work you do!

Be sure to keep following us over the coming weeks as we lift up each of the VCA’s eight amazing regions.

10/07/2026

The VCA is excited to introduce the new Small Town and Rural Arts (SARA) Regional Ambassadors, representing each of VCA’s 8 regions. These accomplished and inspiring Virginians will help connect rural artists, arts organizers, and arts organizations within their communities and with the broader SARA Network.

Pictured on slide 1 from left to right:
- CC Smith | Region 1
- Bobby BlackHat | Region 2
- Pam Doss | Region 3
- Anna Pillow | Region 4

Pictured on slide 2 from left to right:
- Lesley Larsen | Region 5
- Douglas C. Jackson | Region 6
- Tyler Hughes | Region 7
- Lillian Merritt | Region 8

We invite you to read more about SARA at SmallTown/Big Arts.com (link in bio).

10/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Region 4 Meet & Greet at McLean Project for the Arts ()! This vibrant gathering brought together a mix of VCA grantees, Roster Artists, Advisory Panelists, and Local Arts Agencies, showcasing the remarkable diversity of artistic voices across the region.

Special thanks to the McLean Project for the Arts team for hosting us in their Berlage Arts & Education Center!

10/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Region 4 Meet & Greet at Barns of Rosehill () in Berryville! It was wonderful to connect with so many grantees, Roster Artists, and Advisory Panelists from the Clarke County area!

Special thanks to the Barns of Rosehill team for hosting us!

Address

219 Governor Street, 3rd Floor
Richmond, VA
23219

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18042253132

Website

http://www.vca.virginia.gov/

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