The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge is southwest Virginia’s designed regional arts agency and represents more than 100 member organizations and 240 individual artists, artisans, musicians, filmmakers, dancers and creative writers.
Since its inception in 1976, The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge has kept PACE with the cultural community by:
- Promoting and raising awareness about the importance of arts and culture in quality of life, economic development and cultural tourism;
- Advocating for increased funding for the arts on a local and statewide level;
- Convening and facilitating meetings with artists and community groups to discuss topical issues and challenges; and
- Educating area youth and teachers in and through arts education programs.
Mission: Through vision, leadership, and collaboration The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge sustains and strengthens the diverse cultural community of southwestern Virginia.
A sampling of programs and services include: ArtsFlash and Guide to the Lively Arts – our weekly e-newsletters; 40 Days + 40 Nights (An Arts and Culture Explosion); Artist Showcases Bread & Butter Art; Young@Art – a performing and visual arts sampler for young-ish professionals; Perry F. Kendig Awards - an annual excellence in the arts award program and Artist in Residence activities where local artists connect with students and teachers.
Supporting Artists. Building Creative Communities. That’s what The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge does each and every day. Visit www.theartscouncil.org for more information.
