Gallery5, a cornerstone of Richmond’s First Fridays celebrations, commemorated its 19th anniversary last week—a milestone shared with us at RVA Magazine. This cherished institution is not just a gallery but a community hub, known for its unwavering support of local artists and musicians. Today, Gallery5 is at a pivotal moment, seeking community support to restore its stage to its original glory on the south side of the building.
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“We seek support from the community to help us move the stage back to its original location on the south side of the building,” Ash Moore, a board member at Gallery5, explained. The move is more than just a logistical change; it’s about enhancing the cultural experience for everyone involved.
The decision to move the stage originally was not taken lightly. “During the pandemic, we were forced to make a difficult decision that resulted in the relocation of the stage in order to open the double doors on Marshall to increase air flow in the space allowing patrons to return,” Moore recounted. “Now, four years later, we are asking for the community to help us move it back.”
Restoring the stage to its original position will significantly improve the audience experience. “This allows for an improved audience experience as it opens up the space improving sight lines and flow of traffic,” Moore noted. The reconfiguration will not only enhance visibility and accessibility but also expand the gallery’s ability to partner with a wider array of artists.
The plans for Gallery5 extend beyond just relocating the stage. “We plan to implement a number of improvements to the space including upgraded sound and lighting equipment, reinstalling a downstage curtain, an upgraded projector system to accommodate mixed media performances, and the renovation of the double doors to open outwards to allow for performances to face outside,” Moore shared. These doors will be pivotal during events like First Fridays, 4th Friday Jazz Night, G5 Game Night, Classical Rev RVA, and Weekend Vendor Markets, improving both the load-in process and the overall event experience.
However, Moore was cautious about promising increased occupancy immediately. “We cannot promise at this time that it will increase occupancy. There will be a number of conversations that need to be had with the City as we ramp up these efforts around maintaining historic preservation,” they stated.
Gallery5’s role extends beyond entertainment; it is a vital non-profit organization that champions the arts. “Gallery5 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit who relies on community support to ensure the success of the organization’s mission,” Moore emphasized. They highlighted the gallery’s commitment to fostering change and engaging diverse communities through inclusive collaborations and accessible programming.
As the Richmond community continues to rally around Gallery5, Moore expresses heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you to all of the incredible community members who have supported Gallery5 for the last 19 years. Community art spaces are disappearing all over the country, but together we can keep this space alive!”
Find out more information about Gallery5 HERE
