The 2024 ArtsFairfax Awards marked a monumental celebration of arts and culture, bringing together the Fairfax community to honor influential individuals and organizations whose work has transformed Northern Virginia’s cultural landscape. Held on October 25, 2024, at Capital One Hall, this year’s event was a gathering of artists and supporters and a record-breaking fundraiser, raising over $200,000 for ArtsFairfax’s programs. This incredible support underscored the community’s dedication to fostering creativity and art-based initiatives across the region. Featuring live performances and heartfelt speeches, the luncheon celebrated visionaries whose contributions have enriched Fairfax County’s artistic vibrancy.
The awards spotlighted four honorees—the Peterson Family Foundation, Anne R. Kline, Shu-Chen Cuff, and We Rock Cancer—each recognized for their unique contributions to the arts. These honorees are shaping the cultural scene in Northern Virginia, making a tangible difference in the community.
Honoring Philanthropic Vision: The Peterson Family Foundation
The Peterson Family Foundation, established by Milt and Carolyn Peterson in 1997, received the distinguished Jinx Hazel Award. Known for its commitment to arts and health initiatives, the Foundation has provided substantial support to George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) and College of Public Health. With this backing, over 1,700 students can pursue art studies each semester, expanding their skills and understanding of creative fields.
Beyond educational support, the Peterson Family Foundation has enriched the broader Fairfax community. Their sponsorship of the Mason Community Arts Academy enables people of all ages and abilities to engage in the arts, providing creative spaces where emerging artists can grow. The Foundation’s involvement with the Great Performances at Mason series has also transformed Fairfax into a premier destination for nationally and internationally renowned artists. By investing in both education and live arts, the Peterson Family Foundation is ensuring that the arts have a lasting impact in Fairfax County, reaching residents across all demographics.
A Lifelong Patron of the Arts: Anne R. Kline
Anne R. Kline was awarded the ArtsFairfax Philanthropy Award in recognition of her dedicated support for the arts. Known for her role at the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Kline has made significant contributions to the Wolf Trap Opera (WTO) and established The Geoffrey P. Pohanka and Anne R. Kline Endowment Fund, which sustains the growth and success of WTO’s performances and staff. Her involvement with the Metropolitan Opera and the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center demonstrates her influence beyond Fairfax, making her a respected figure in the arts community on a national scale.
Kline’s contributions go beyond financial investments. Her strategic guidance has helped attract diverse audiences to opera, expanding the reach of this classical art form. Her approach combines advocacy with community involvement, promoting inclusivity and audience development across the arts. Through her work, Kline is helping redefine the cultural landscape, ensuring that opera remains accessible and relevant to a modern audience.
A Legacy in Dance: Shu-Chen Cuff
Renowned dancer and choreographer Shu-Chen Cuff received the ArtsFairfax Achievement Award for her groundbreaking work in the dance world. Originally from Taiwan, Cuff’s artistic journey has been defined by her versatility, mastering forms ranging from ballet to modern and Chinese folk dance. After performing with companies like Miami Ballet and Nevada Ballet Theater, she founded Gin Dance Company (GDC) in 2011. Her choreography blends contemporary and traditional forms, resulting in performances that captivate audiences and celebrate multicultural perspectives.
In addition to her performance work, Cuff has contributed as an educator, guiding aspiring dancers and choreographers throughout Virginia. Her work with the Gin Dance Company has brought innovative dance to new audiences, and her role as a mentor ensures that her influence continues through the next generation of artists. Even after retiring from the stage, Cuff remains an inspiring figure in the arts community, fostering creativity and discipline among young dancers.
A Fusion of Art and Health: We Rock Cancer
The ArtsFairfax Innovation Award went to We Rock Cancer, a nonprofit organization that combines music and healthcare to promote skin cancer awareness. Founded by Tim Reed, We Rock Cancer provides free skin cancer screenings at live music events, transforming the health screening experience into something engaging and accessible. By partnering with healthcare professionals, the organization offers attendees potentially life-saving screenings in a relaxed and familiar environment.
With a mobile stage equipped for live music, We Rock Cancer brings its message to events such as music festivals and health fairs, reaching diverse audiences. The organization’s approach has already shown remarkable results, with over 60% of screened participants requiring follow-up care. This initiative highlights the potential of arts-based programs to impact public health, using music to draw attention to preventive care in a way that is both entertaining and effective.
Record-Breaking Support for the Arts
The 2024 ArtsFairfax Awards set a fundraising record, raising over $200,000 to support ArtsFairfax’s initiatives. These funds will play a crucial role in sustaining more than 15,000 arts activities and programs across Fairfax County, helping to enrich the lives of over a million people each year. Stuart Holt, ArtsFairfax President & CEO, highlighted the significance of these contributions, noting that ArtsFairfax grants make it possible for countless residents to experience the local arts scene through performances, exhibitions, and educational programs.
The event, attended by over 350 local leaders, included remarks from Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay, who emphasized the importance of the arts in community well-being, economic development, and quality of life. McKay’s sentiments resonated with the afternoon’s guests, who understood the value of continued support for arts initiatives.
The 2024 ArtsFairfax Awards celebrated the honorees and the community’s collective dedication to the arts. Honoring leaders like the Peterson Family Foundation, Anne R. Kline, Shu-Chen Cuff, and We Rock Cancer underscores the importance of visionaries who drive Fairfax County’s cultural growth. ArtsFairfax’s work connects and supports the community through art, making Fairfax a thriving cultural destination. To learn more about ArtsFairfax’s initiatives or contribute to their mission, visit ArtsFairfax.org.