“While this is the first Arts Awards, let us not make it the last.”
Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D.
Former Chairman, Arts Council of Fairfax County
Former President and CEO, Fairfax Economic Development Authority
Ten years ago, then Arts Council of Fairfax County board chairman Gerald L. Gordon and his fellow board members knew the arts were an integral part of the Fairfax community but felt the arts were getting lost in the conversation. Community and business leaders lauded the County’s quality education system, safe and diverse communities, and business opportunities but wanted to talk more about the art and culture that make up Fairfax County. There needed to be an opportunity to connect the business community to the arts.
“The Board conceived of the Arts Awards so that the arts community could meet the business community,” said Gordon.
Ten years later, that model still stands.
Since the first luncheon, the Arts Awards has connected the business and the arts communities through an annual event that highlights the extraordinary contribution of those in the arts while providing an opportunity for the business community to show their appreciation and acknowledge the value the arts bring to Fairfax County.
“I think the business community was receptive too, but didn’t really have the arts on their collective radar screen,” said Gordon. “They just needed it highlighted for them. The notion that we had of putting arts groups at the table had a surprise to it. We had envisioned art organizations sitting with businessmen and women and being reluctant to speak up,” said Gordon. “That didn’t occur. It was a dynamic dialogue. It worked out the way we hoped.”
Recognizing the value of the arts extended beyond the business community. The Fairfax County Supervisors have been ardent in their collective support since the first luncheon.
“They all understood that in their respective magisterial districts as well as countywide, the value of having art organizations thrive. It was important to the elected officials as well as the business community,” said Gordon.
Since then, elected leaders and decision-makers from all levels of government continue to join the community celebration.
Fairfax County’s success is woven into the arts, business, education, and decision-makers’ interconnectivity. Companies are attracted to Fairfax because they can find an incredibly skilled and talented workforce. Workers and their families want to live in a community with a vibrant art and culture scene.
Gordon went on to say that the arts don’t always get the visibility they deserve. Fairfax County is home to many arts organizations and artists from widely recognized organizations to smaller, volunteer groups. The Arts Awards provides an opportunity for the entire community to shine a spotlight on the contributions the arts make to our quality of life in Fairfax County.
Gordon credits an active and sincere board for conceiving and implementing the first Arts Awards. Gordon has since retired and moved away from Fairfax, but many of those board members remain strong advocates for our region’s arts.
The 2021 Arts Awards on October 15th continues the tradition of bringing the community together. The Arts Council of Fairfax, now known as ArtsFairfax, invites you to explore the Arts Awards’ history and the talented individuals and organizations that have been recognized through the years.