On Thursday, January 22, ArtsFairfax joined Virginians for the Arts and arts leaders from across the state to advocate for budget amendments towards additional and sustained funding for the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA).  

Last year, Virginians for the Arts helped secure an additional $2 million in one-time funds to VCA. To share about VCA’s impact in Fairfax County and more about the work of ArtsFairfax, we secured appointments and met with State Senators and House Delegates representing parts of Fairfax County. 

Joined by fellow advocates Jay Dick (Americans for the Arts), Damon Effingham (Wolf Trap Foundation), John Good (Washington Lawyers for the Arts), Erin Harms (Signature Theatre), and Tim Zhao (VCA Commissioner), Stuart Holt and Allison Mui of ArtsFairfax met with Senate Majority Leader Senator Scott Surovell (34th District), Delegate Paul Krizek (16th District), Delegate Gretchen Bulova (11th District), and Delegate Richard “Rip” Sullivan (6th District). We also met with the staff members of Senators Adam Ebbin and David Marsden, and Delegates Kathy Tran, Rozia Henson, and Irin Shin. 

Virginia Commission for the Arts supports nearly 400 recipients across the Commonwealth. For many arts organizations, funding from the VCA is the only funding they receive. In Fairfax County, the Commission supports a little over 40 grantees, most of whom benefit from ArtsFairfax funding. 

Tim Zhao, Jay Dick, Senator Scott Surovell, Damon Effingham, Erin Harms, Allison Mui
Tim Zhao, Jay Dick, Senator Scott Surovell, Damon Effingham, Erin Harms, Allison Mui
Delegate Paul Krizek, Allison Mui, Damon Effingham, Stuart Holt
Delegate Paul Krizek, Allison Mui, Damon Effingham, Stuart Holt
L-R Tim Zhao, Stuart Holt, Jay Dick, John Good, Erin Harms, Delegate Gretchen Bulova, Damon Effingham, Allison Mui
L-R Tim Zhao, Stuart Holt, Jay Dick, John Good, Erin Harms, Delegate Gretchen Bulova, Damon Effingham, Allison Mui
Allison Mui, Delegate Rip Sullivan, Stuart Holt
Allison Mui, Delegate Rip Sullivan, Stuart Holt

 

More about Virginians for the Arts

Comprised of volunteers from arts organizations, local arts agencies, and individuals throughout the Commonwealth, Virginians for the Arts is a critical and necessary body to raise the awareness of arts and culture in our communities and increase arts funding in Virginia. If you would like to benefit from opportunities to network with colleagues from across the state and advocate for the funding you need, please consider becoming a member. 

For more details visit vaforarts.org/join/