Twenty years ago, RVA Magazine and Gallery5 came to life together—two DIY efforts launched with no budget, no blueprint, and no permission. What they shared was a vision: that Richmond’s creative culture was worth showing up for, amplifying, and celebrating.
On First Friday, April 4th, both organizations come together to mark their joint 20-year anniversaries with Stay Gold—an exhibition and block party birthday celebration honoring two decades of underground art, music, politics, and community.
The block surrounding Gallery5 will transform into a night market and fire-lit street festival—curated by RVA Moon Market and Party Liberation Foundation—featuring live music, performance, and late-night energy from some of Richmond’s most beloved scenes and makers.
Inside the gallery, a 20-Year Retrospective Exhibition and Slideshow will trace the story of RVA Mag and Gallery5 through zines, street art, punk shows, porch hangs, protests, murals, bike parties, hip-hop showcases, food, beer, and the people who kept showing up. It’s a visual history of how two scrappy platforms helped push Richmond’s creative underground into public view.
This night isn’t just about two institutions—it’s about the scenes, spaces, and communities that carried Richmond forward. It’s a thank-you. It’s a reunion. And it’s a reminder to keep making room for what matters.
Live Performances by:
• No BS! Brass Band
• Sweet Potatoes
• Gull
• WRIR 97.3 DJs
Presented in partnership with The Head And The Heart’s Rivers and Roads Foundation, with special thanks to Tyler Williams of The Head & The Heart.
We hope you’ll be there.
Check the FB post HERE for full details.
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In a world where corporations and wealthy individuals now shape much of our media landscape, RVA Magazine remains fiercely independent, amplifying the voices of Richmond’s artists, musicians, and community. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to authentic, grassroots storytelling that highlights the people and culture shaping our city.
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