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Funding for Virginia programs that support the arts
We celebrate the contributions of arts organizations through their collaboration with schools and communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Dominion Energy ArtStars awards recognize arts organizations in Virginia that successfully combine arts and education in their community.
Organizations providing arts education to students of all ages in Virginia may apply for consideration.
One Shining Star Award ($10,000 each) may be awarded in each of the five Virginia regions to an organization with (i) a qualifying arts and education program and (ii) an annual budget of less than $1 million.
September 1 – Applications Open
October 31 – Applications Close
December – Winners Notified
Founded a decade ago by rehabilitative therapy professionals, the nonprofit STEP VA uses creative expression and sensory exploration to empower people with disabilities so that all individuals can develop individual expression, reach their full potential, be their authentic selves, and become valued members of a just and equitable local community. STEP VA believes that through the arts, all people can be heard and seen.
Soundscapes believes strongly that music education can change lives, and that all children have valuable contributions to make both musically and to our community. It provides youth development and music education programs, including through the renowned Sistema method, in Southeastern Virginia. The goal is to improve opportunities for youth from low-income and historically marginalized communities, and Soundscapes has a solid record of developing academic curiosity and closing the achievement gap.
Live Arts is committed to forging both theater and community, and has been doing so for more than three decades. Its signature summer camps such as Fractured Fairy Tales and Shakespeare Showcase focus on skill development and personal growth by promoting mental, emotional, and theatrical exploration — encouraging students to practice critical thinking both on and off stage. In addition, Live Arts teaches real-life skills and provides career training. Through all of these efforts, Live Arts builds connection and community in a divided world.
Oakwood Arts offers free art and technology classes and strives to make careers in creative arts from photography to sound design more accessible to youth of color who are under-represented in the creative fields. Its mentors help participants not only develop their artistic passions but also develop employment pathways in film, advertising, and adjacent careers. At the same time, Oakwood Arts provides creative programs and activities for the local community to build engagement, learn new skills, gain new perspectives, and develop new interests.
The Depot Artists Association promotes local artists and provides arts education at a repurposed, 1860s freight-train station known as The Arts Depot. Resident artists at the Depot interact with the public, while consignment artists sell their works in a consignment space. The Depot Artists Association offers art classes and workshops, and provides space for school groups, community members, amateur artists, and others. Once a month, a resident artist teaches scholarship classes to clientele from Highlands Community Services who have developmental disabilities.
Entries must address each of the following criteria in order to be considered. Strong entries will include detailed, specific examples of how your organization meets these criteria and documented program evaluation and impact measures.
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