An Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief, $5,000 Artist Fellowships to be Awarded in Literary Arts: Poetry
September 28, 2021
Coming soon! VCA Presents: A Virtual Showcase
Virginia is home to so much great music from the mountain music of the Southwest, including the Crooked Road--to diverse fusions found in Central Virginia to cool sounds of blues and jazz from Hampton Roads, and of course the cultural brew of northern Virginia. As part of the VCA's mission of helping sustain our commonwealth's performing artists and arts venues through the pandemic, the VCA is pleased to present its first-ever virtual artist showcase, featuring some two dozen music, dance and theatre groups.
The VCA's Virtual Showcase will begin streaming over several weeks in Mid-October, and marks the first time that the Commission has presented artists and their work directly to the public. VCA has partnered with VPM (Virginia's home of Public Media), and other partners, to bring these free virtual showcases to a wide audience. The goal is to promote performing artists (of the VCA's Performing Arts Tour Directory), promote the many treasured venues across the state, and encourage travel to the many distinct regions of the state with thriving arts and cultural communities.
Stay tuned for more details on the program's drop date, and more exciting news. The arts are open for business in the Commonwealth!
VCA's Artist Fellowship Grants Due This Friday, October 1! Selected Discipline - Literary Arts: Poetry
This is a reminder that FY22 Artist Fellowship grant applications are due THIS FRIDAY, October 1, at 5 PM. As previously announced, the selected discipline for this year is Literary Arts: Poetry. All eligible Virginia-based poets are encouraged to apply.
Five (5) Artist Fellowships in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded by the Commission to recognize the creative merit of individual Virginia artists and to support their pursuit of artistic excellence. Theonline application must be submitted via Foundant (our online grant system) by 5 PM on October 1, 2021,
The National Coalition for Arts’ Preparedness and Emergency Response created “An Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief, for Arts Organizations and Businesses, Artists and Cultural Workers” to help break down what federal relief is available for the arts and culture sector after disasters, decide which resources are right for them, and how to access those resources. Learn about the programs available through FEMA and the Small Business Administration, as well as eleven other federal resources.
Artists Sunday2021 (Nov 28th this year) - always the Sunday after Thanksgiving - is less than 65 days away and we wanted to share the latest.
Now is the time to consider what Artists Sunday related events or promotions you might be conducting to showcase and champion your artists and their work this holiday season. If you're already planning something, please upload the details at the following link so we can showcase in our outreach efforts.
Artists Sunday, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, (Nov 28th this year) is dedicated to encouraging consumers to shop with artists and give something special, unique, and hand-crafted this holiday season. Artists Sunday is celebrated between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
To see what received media attention last year go here.
We received notifications from many of you who received a seemingly suspicious email from Executive Director Janet Starke last week. It was reported, and found to be a spoofing email. Please disregard and (and otherwise delete). Thanks for bringing it to our attention!
Upcoming: VCA Commission Board Orientation and Business Meeting
October 6, 12 - 5 PM
October 7, 9 AM - 1 PM
All meeting events and activities are scheduled to take place at Suffolk Art Museum and Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.
Have You Been Affected By Losing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance? Share Your Experience to Help Advocate for Additional Relief
The expansion of unemployment benefits to include the self-employed and independent contractors was a vital financial lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Have you been affected by losing these benefits? Your experience can help support the call for new funding.
In order to collect information to help advocate for additional relief, Americans for the Arts has compiled an anonymous survey for you to share your experience. This survey contains 10 - 15 questions and is designed to only take 5 - 10 minutes to complete.
New Study Published by National League of Cities: Creativity Sparks Economic Renewal
The National League of Cities has just published Creativity Sparks Economic Renewal. This article offers a concise summary of economic recovery research commissioned by NASAA and conducted in partnership with Indiana University and the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF). Through examples from communities small and large, this new article connects the dots between the arts and jobs, bustling businesses, tourism and rural vitality as well as community resilience.
