Virginia Commission for the Arts

Virginia Commission for the Arts 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 interconn

ecting 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.

Meet the VCA’s new Region 2 Commissioner!The Virginia Commission for the Arts is delighted to introduce you to our new R...
09/04/2026

Meet the VCA’s new Region 2 Commissioner!

The Virginia Commission for the Arts is delighted to introduce you to our new Region 2 Commissioner, Rowena Federico Finn. Each of the VCA’s nine appointed Commissioners serve as ambassadors for our agency and are dedicated to elevating all arts disciplines for the benefit of all Virginians. Learn more about Rowena and her lifelong involvement in the arts by checking out the Commission Board page on our website (link in bio).

Meet the VCA’s New Region 1 Commissioner!The Virginia Commission for the Arts is delighted to introduce you to our new R...
09/02/2026

Meet the VCA’s New Region 1 Commissioner!

The Virginia Commission for the Arts is delighted to introduce you to our new Region 1 Commissioner, Sylvio Lynch III, Ph.D. Each of the VCA’s nine appointed Commissioners serve as ambassadors for our agency and are dedicated to elevating all arts disciplines for the benefit of all Virginians.

Learn more about Dr. Lynch and his lifelong involvement in the arts by checking out the Commission Board page on our website (link in bio).

Radford University College of Visual and Performing Arts () warmly invites you to join us for a convening of nonprofit a...
08/27/2026

Radford University College of Visual and Performing Arts () warmly invites you to join us for a convening of nonprofit arts and culture leaders from across Southwest Virginia. This gathering is free and will bring together organizations and individuals enriching our communities through the arts and culture. Lunch will be provided, and coffee, water, and tea will be available throughout the day.

Thursday, October 1, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Radford University, The Artis Center

Kindly RSVP by September 15 via the link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=NNPkHq-yzU-DRFLUNqae013Bo3qkJ6BEq3phV6-99-9UMjJUVlhHUkVRUklJRFlTSUc0Tkk2VVM3SC4u&route=shorturl

The VCA invites our Region 4 ‘Northern Virginia’ community to two informal gatherings taking place on Thursday, Septembe...
08/25/2026

The VCA invites our Region 4 ‘Northern Virginia’ community to two informal gatherings taking place on Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25, for refreshments and conversation.

Due to the geographic scope of the region, we will be hosting two Meet & Greets in separate counties. All Region 4 invitees are welcome to attend either Meet & Greet!

September 24 Meet & Greet
12:00 –1:30 p.m.
Barns of Rosehill ()
95 Chalmers Ct, Berryville, VA 22611

September 25 Meet & Greet
10:00 –11:30 a.m.
McLean Project for the Arts ()
6910 Fleetwood Rd, McLean, VA 22101

Kindly RSVP by September 17 using the link: https://form.jotform.com/262325610044143

Open call for artists! Applications for the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowship and the Aaron Siskind Award for Photography are ...
08/18/2026

Open call for artists! Applications for the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowship and the Aaron Siskind Award for Photography are now open.

The VMFA Visual Arts Fellowship is open to Virginia-based student and professional artists across all artistic disciplines, as well as graduate art history students. The class of selected Fellows will each receive awards ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 based on their eligibility category in support of their artistic studies and careers.

Applications for the VMFA Visual Arts Fellowship close Friday, November 6, 2026.

The Aaron Siskind Award for Photography is open to U.S.-based artists for whom photography is a primary vocation. Two artists will each receive an unrestricted prize of $25,000 meant to enable them to complete a meaningful body of work.

Applications for the Aaron Siskind Award for Photography close Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Visit the links in below to see eligibility details and start your application today!
- https://www.vmfa.museum/visual-arts-fellowships
- https://www.vmfa.museum/vmfa-aaron-siskind-award-for-photography

We're looking for one Regional Captain in each VCA region to help connect rural artists and arts organizations to the Sm...
08/12/2026

We're looking for one Regional Captain in each VCA region to help connect rural artists and arts organizations to the Small Town and Rural Arts Network (SARA)!

To nominate someone, or yourself, email Geoffrey Kershner at [email protected] with the nominee's name, region, and a sentence or two about why they'd be a good fit.

The nomination deadline is August 24.

Learn more about the role on the Small Town/Big Arts website: https://www.smalltownbigarts.com/blog/sara-network-seeks-virginia-regional-captains

As an executive state agency under the oversight of the Secretary of Education, the VCA is excited to feature Dr. Jeffer...
08/10/2026

As an executive state agency under the oversight of the Secretary of Education, the VCA is excited to feature Dr. Jeffery O. Smith (). VCA staff and Commissioners had the pleasure of meeting Secretary Smith at our June Commission Board Meeting, where he shared opening remarks recognizing the importance of the arts and the VCA's work.

Feel free to read the VCA's full Q&A with Dr. Smith at the link: https://vca.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Virginia-Commission-for-the-Arts-QA-07.27.docx

Artists and art lovers are invited to explore Zero Empty Spaces at Stony Point Fashion Park during a free Open Studios e...
08/05/2026

Artists and art lovers are invited to explore Zero Empty Spaces at Stony Point Fashion Park during a free Open Studios event on Saturday, August 8, from 12:00–5:00 p.m.

Zero Empty Spaces transforms underused commercial spaces into affordable, public-facing working artist studios. Studio space is currently available starting at just $200 per month, with 24/7 access, a built-in community of fellow artists, and 0% commission on artwork sales, classes, and workshops.

Meet local artists, see works in progress, explore the studios, and learn more about joining this growing creative community.

See event details and register for free at the link: https://ZeroEmptySpaces-RVA-Open-Studios.eventbrite.com

Apply to rent a studio space at the link: https://www.zeartistspaces.com/rentspace

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

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