“When so many arts and cultural groups are under one roof, it really speaks to the range of incredible resources and programs, the heritage and artistry that is present in our region,” said
“When so many arts and cultural groups are under one roof, it really speaks to the range of incredible resources and programs, the heritage and artistry that is present in our region,” said Richmond CenterStage Director of Education, Janet Starke. “It is too often underestimated. Richmond is full of talent, and this is a great way to showcase that talent.”
Fundraising in a city can be difficult, but the annual CultureWorks Arts & Culture Xpo provides a place where organizations of all types can come together and share what they have to offer to the Richmond community.
This year’s free Xpo exhibition, which will be held at the Science Museum of Virginia this Saturday, includes 60 non-profit 501c3 arts and culture organizations from the Richmond and Tri-Cities region. While one exhibiting organization can earn up to a $1,000 grant from CultureWorks by winning the People’s Choice Award, attendees will also experience benefits by attending a day of music, dance, theatre, food, visual arts, literary arts, craft beer, history, science, and nature.
“The Xpo is a great place to let a lot of people know what the Arts District is up to,” said First Fridays’ Director, Meghan Barbato. “It features something fantastic every time you go, and there are no age limits – it’s appropriate for your 3-year-old niece or your 80-something grandma.”
The Xpo’s sponsor, Cultureworks, can be considered a “backbone organization” helping other organizations, and even individual artists, get the recognition and support that they deserve. CultureWorks supports the Richmond region’s community through grantmaking, advocacy, and providing services.
Many exhibiting organizations will reveal something new, a Ta-Da!, at the Xpo.
“Artspace is planning a digital slideshow display of upcoming improvements planned for the gallery,” said Artspace Richmond President Dana Frostick. “We will engage the public in a collaborative art project to help us create new signage for the gallery. We have bumper stickers available for a take home gift and will have a selection of work available for sale through our new online market.”
Preservation Virginia is a part of the Down to the Wire Coalition, who are actively trying to protect the James River viewshed at the Historic Triangle and Historic Jamestown.
“We’ll have information about the campaign at our booth and will give people the chance to sign a petition about the issue,” said Will Glasco, director of Annual Fund at Preservation Virginia.
Executive Director of the 1708 Gallery Emily Smith said the gallery will be hosting a lantern making activity at the Xpo.
“We use the lantern activities at Xpo to announce InLight Richmond, 1708’s annual exhibition of light-based art and performance that moves to a different part of the city each year,” she said. “InLight 2015 will take place on November 13, 2015 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art.”
CultureWorks president Scott Garka the organizations get the exposure they need with the thousands of attendees coming to the Xpo.
“Those attendees could come to one of their future exhibits or performances, or could become lifelong fans,” Garka said. “Each organization also has an opportunity to build new relationships with other arts and culture organizations that they don’t have the chance to connect with on a regular basis.”
The 5th annual Arts & Culture Xpo will take at the Science Museum Sat. June 27 from 10 am to 4 pm.
