New initiative to expand access to arts in Virginia’s rural communities, small towns

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new initiative is looking to strengthen arts access and leadership in Virginia's small towns and rural communities with limited traditional infrastructure.

The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) on Wednesday, March 4, announced the launch of the Small Town and Rural Arts Network (SARA) in collaboration with Randolph College. The initiative aims to expand access to the arts for all Virginians and to prioritize increased capacity, stronger peer networks and practical tools.

“Access to the arts should not depend on geography,” said VCA executive director Colleen Dugan Messick. “Through SARA, we are investing in communities with strong creative potential and building the networks and knowledge necessary to support long-term cultural vitality across rural Virginia.”

The project's six-month pilot, supported by a $35,000 VCA grant, will start with "areas with minimal VCA grantee presence" in Region 8. The region encompasses Cumberland, Amelia, Buckingham and other counties.

Randolph College's MFA in Arts Leadership program will lead the pilot. Per the release, three of the program's core components are in-person workshops, a regional practice hub and ongoing support -- which includes virtual workshops, office hours and monthly check-ins.

Beginning March 24, there will be three half-day workshops across Region 8 at the Colonial Theatre in South Hill. The hub will serve as a digital resource center, providing planning templates, workshop materials and a peer-learning forum for artists statewide.

Virginia Tech faculty and students will assist in the project.

Registration for the March 24 workshop is open to artists, community leaders, and cultural workers in Region 8. For more information, contact Geoffrey Kershner at gkershner@randolphcollege.edu.