“Cultural lovers, prepare for full immersion.”
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
Fairfax County loves the arts, and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) has long recognized the value the arts bring to our community’s culture and economic prosperity. In 2013, the ArtsFairfax Arts Awards honored the FCEDA with the distinguished Jinx Hazel Award.
Joe Ritchey, then Arts Council of Fairfax County board chairman, stated, “Fairfax County understands the important role that the arts play in attracting businesses and providing important amenities desired by their workforce. We applaud FCEDA for their promotion and support of the arts as a strategy to help build a stronger Fairfax County.”
(left to right) Linda S. Sullivan, President & CEO, Arts Council of Fairfax County; Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority; and Joe Ritchey, chairman of the Arts Council of Fairfax County. Photo Credit: Penny Nail-Hoelting
The FCEDA works to increase the economic vitality of our Fairfax community by actively recruiting businesses to locate here. A strong arts community helps attract and retain a vibrant and robust workforce.
In 2007, a Time Magazine columnist called Fairfax County “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” In 2011 The Washington Post said, “Fairfax County remains the economic wunderkind of Virginia and in many ways of the Washington area.
Photo Credit: Penny Nail-Hoelting
Fairfax County continues to grow and thrive, and the FCEDA has a strong track record of service to the community. In 2012, Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., then president and CEO of the FCEDA worked with the ArtsFairfax board to create the Arts Awards.
Today, the Arts Awards continue to bring together the business and arts community to celebrate Fairfax County’s visionary artists and arts organization.
Photo Credit: Penny Nail-Hoelting
As Dr. Gordon stated in 2013, “It is important for the FCEDA to support organizations that enhance the overall quality of life for the residents of Fairfax County.” ArtsFairfax appreciates the FCEDA vision for a vibrant and strong economy and culture.
On October 15th, the 2021 Arts Awards will continue the tradition of bringing the arts and business community together. ArtsFairfax invites you to explore the Arts Awards’ history and the talented individuals and organizations that have been recognized through the years.