Poetry Month

The Fairfax Poet Laureate is available for visits to schools, libraries, community events, readings, workshops, conferences, and more. Requests must be made at least one month in advance. Emails and phone call requests will not be accepted.

The residency teaches middle school students about the expression of ideas through the artistic vehicle of mosaics. Student artists explore multiple art forms such as drawing, painting and sculpture to complete their mosaics, and select a specific ocean animal to be the subject of their artwork. This residency allows student artists to research and discuss environmental issues such as ocean pollution and convey their thoughts through a process-based project. Materials include ceramic, glass tiles and natural elements.

www.bluehyacinthmosaics.com

Download Interim Arts Use | Property Checklist

Download Budget Worksheet Template

Refer to Toolkit page #19 to learn more about who can assist and provide guidance during this process.

With so many variables, (such as building condition, zoning and uses), artists and arts organizations should consult with Fairfax County staff in the Permit Application Center at 703-222-0801 and use the “Permitting” section of the toolkit.

Create a plan for a compliant project before investing organizational resources. Failure to comply with zoning or building code regulations may result in a Corrective Work Order or a Notice of Violation, which shuts the project down.

1. 1. A compelling case for the need and community benefits for your interim arts space project will help sell your request for space use. Be clear about your mission, proposed program, audience participation level, and community impact. When approaching property owners, funders, and elected officials, refer to Toolkit page #3 for key points to discuss.
   2. Craft and circulate a brief proposal using the parameters identified above. Include all the potential benefits and indicate whether there is a modest budget for rent, or if the space must be donated. Send this proposal directly to key contacts with a cover note that articulates what you are requesting from the recipient.

1. Leverage existing contacts including board members, audience members, volunteers, business owners and vendors, friends and neighbors, funders, and even elected officials. Learn more in the “Finding A Space” section of the toolkit.
2. If you see a vacant property that you think is a great fit for your arts activation, search the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration for the property owner: https://icare.fairfaxcounty.gov/ffxcare/search/CommonSearch.aspx?mode=ADDRESS
3. Fairfax County Economic Development Authority has access to Costar to help you identify vacant properties. See Toolkit page #19, Important Contacts
4. Local Chamber of Commerce
5. Loopnet.com

This virtual residency provides students the opportunity to recount a specific narrative from a historical time period of their choosing through Hip-Hop dance choreography. During the residency students learn about the history of Hip-Hop culture, its beginnings in high-needs areas in the Bronx and how it became a global movement. Students explore Hip-Hop through interactive storytelling, observing dance performance videos and practicing movement basics. Students then collaborate with the artist to select a theme, music, movement techniques and choreography for a Hip-Hop performance. This program empowers and validates the students’ points of view and enables them to communicate through dance.

Victoria is the winner of the ArtsFairfax $200 award and her piece will be displayed in Congressman Connolly’s Fairfax Office. Victoria’s medium for this piece is acrylic on canvas.

Heaven is the winner of the ArtsFairfax $300 award and her piece will be displayed in the Workhouse Arts Center. Heaven’s medium for this piece is acrylic and oil on canvas.

Lena is the winner of the ArtsFairfax $500 award and her work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. Lena’s medium for this piece is colored pencil.

Washington, D.C., has given much to the musical world beyond its best-known exports; Duke Ellington, and the punk, and go-go scenes. Musician, broadcaster, and historian Ken Avis explores the area’s lesser-known, remarkable, and fascinating musical avenues and why they could only have happened here in the DMV area. Film and recordings bring legendary musicians to life as Avis examines how social change, technological development, and business innovation shaped the sounds that emerged from D.C.—a political town with a serious music habit. Discover music, stories and facts…and a lot of surprises as you hear the stories of Music City DC!

Award winning percussionist, composer and educator, Tom Teasley, delivers his unique world of rhythm and sound. Tom has traveled the world as a cultural envoy for the U.S. Department of State and shares musical examples of his travels as well as stories of the cultures from which this music emanates. He is currently working virtually with the US Embassy in Port au Prince, Haiti on a series of percussion workshops in addition to music business presentations. Other travels have taken him to China, Iraq, Korea, Oman, Jerusalem, Bahrain and others. Tom will also share his work on creating music for theatre which has earned him seven Helen Hayes Nominations and three awards. The residency consists of many musical and instrument demonstrations and performances and encourages participation.

Pictures and Poetry is a fun, interactive, low stress communal gathering where the participants will view and write poetically about visually pleasing images that evoke an array of emotions and responses. Tammarrah uses images as a catalyst for conversation, healing, laughter and insight. Participants get a chance to bring their own images to assist in cultivating creativity for the community of learners.

Tap into your own creativity, clarity, and happiness. Moving Dialogues is a powerful way to come together, experience each other’s perspective, and create deeper meaning. Zero dance experience is expected—Moving Dialogues is for everyone and every body. Be prepared to: write, move your body, think, and play. Moving Dialogues workshops started at American University’s Emerging Arts Leaders Symposium in 2015. Founder Kelly King led a group of participating arts leaders to answer the question: “What makes me happy?”
Since then, Kelly has led Moving Dialogues workshops for businesses and community groups, including: Visit Baltimore, The Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, Goddard College, Washington Performing Arts, ReCreative Spaces, The Girl Scouts of America’s Keys to Success Conference, Round House Theatre, Anacostia Arts Center, YMCA leadership, Office Accomplice, and more.