Art is the lifeblood of any city, and if you’re in Richmond, you know we’re swimming in a sea of talent. From the quirky to the avant-garde, our city is a playground for incredible artists, organizations, and institutions that cater to every vibe and taste.
As October rolls around, it’s time to crank up the excitement for artoberVA, the annual festival that throws open the doors to all things creative. Brought to life by the amazing folks at CultureWorks, this year marks the ninth installment of our month-long celebration, and — it’s back with a vengeance.
This year’s theme, All-Access: Empowerment through Expression, couldn’t be more fitting for a city that wears its heart on its sleeve. artoberVA isn’t just another festival; it’s a showcase of Richmond’s eclectic creative community, proving that art is not some exclusive club for the elite but for everyone.
And they are doing something new this year: the festival is rolling out a game-changing twist with its “Pay What You Will” (PWYW) events. That’s right! You can dive into a plethora of artistic experiences without breaking the bank. Whether you’re feeling flush or pinching pennies, this initiative invites you to engage with the arts on your own terms, making it easier than ever to soak up Richmond’s extraordinary creative scene.
A key organizer at CultureWorks, Calie Bain had this to say: “CultureWorks is thrilled and humbled by the commitment of over two dozen arts and culture organizations to offer Pay-What-You-Will this artoberVA. In allowing the public to pay a price that aligns with their socioeconomic circumstances, attendees are able to access events they otherwise may not have been able to, empowering new audiences to experience arts and culture and fostering a sense of belonging within our community.”
“We are so excited to partner with CultureWorks to present our Cinderella Lecture Demonstration during artober2024! There has been so much interest in this event, that we were able to open up a second demonstration to engage even more families in our community,” says Ma Cong, Richmond Ballet Artistic Director. “We are delighted that this programming, which is normally reserved for students of our elementary school partners, will be available to a wider audience as this is an accessible, family-friendly introduction to the world of ballet.”
You can find all the events, classes, and performances listed HERE.
A Festival Packed with Flavor
Get ready for a month brimming with events that celebrate our city’s artistic richness. Whether you’re passionate about theater, dance, music, or visual arts, there’s something for everyone during ArtoberVA. Below are some of the local organizations participating in this year’s festivities, each contributing to the festival’s community spirit and creativity:
- Agecroft Hall
4305 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, VA 23221
agecrofthall.com
Experience the beauty of a 16th-century English manor that was meticulously reassembled in Richmond. Agecroft Hall offers guided tours and special events, immersing visitors in its rich history and stunning gardens, all while hosting The Richmond Shakespeare Festival. - Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
122 W Leigh St, Richmond, VA 23220
blackhistorymuseum.org
This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Virginia’s Black history through engaging exhibitions, interactive displays, and community programs that encourage a deeper understanding of the culture. - The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design
2501 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23220
branchmuseum.org
At The Branch, visitors can explore the impact of architecture and design through interactive exhibits and compelling programs. It’s a space where design comes alive, inspiring creativity and innovation. - Bridge 9 Theater
2501 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23220
bridge9theater.com
Bridge 9 Theater is a 501 (c) (3) company dedicated to connecting communities through laughter, by providing inclusive and accessible improv education, training, and entertainment. All programs are designed for anyone to feel welcome to laugh, learn, and engage no matter their backgrounds or abilities. - Chamberlayne Actor’s Theatre (CAT Theatre)
cattheatre.com
With over 50 years of history, CAT Theatre is a staple of Richmond’s performing arts scene. It showcases professional productions that highlight local talent, creating a unique theatrical experience in a cozy setting. - Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown
2626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
c-mor.org
A haven for young minds, this museum features hands-on exhibits and programming designed to engage children and spark their creativity in a fun, educational environment. - Classical Revolution RVA
classicalrevolutionrva.com
Part of a global movement, Classical Revolution brings classical music directly to the community, fostering appreciation and engagement in a variety of settings. - CNTR: A Creative Space
318 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
itscntr.com
A versatile venue that hosts a range of events, CNTR celebrates creativity through workshops, ceremonies, and more, catering to the vibrant Richmond arts scene. - Coalition Theater
8 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220
rvacomedy.com
The go-to destination for live comedy and engaging classes, Coalition Theater delivers laughter and entertainment while fostering a sense of community. - Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
2880 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
artsglenallen.com
This community gem offers a range of high-quality performances and art classes, providing a nurturing space for local talent and art lovers alike. - The Latin Ballet of Virginia
latinballet.com
Celebrating Hispanic and Latin American cultures through dance, the Latin Ballet captivates audiences with energetic productions that resonate across generations, inviting community participation in performances. - Edgar Allan Poe Museum
1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23223
poemuseum.org
Dive into the world of Edgar Allan Poe at this dedicated museum that features artifacts and exhibitions celebrating the life and works of the father of the psychological horror genre. - Richmond Ballet
407 E Canal St, Richmond, VA 23219
richmondballet.com
Known for its exceptional performances and community engagement programs, Richmond Ballet presents breathtaking productions that consistently surpass expectations, showcasing a diverse repertoire. - Richmond Shakespeare
richmondshakespeare.org
This company breathes new life into classic works, producing both classical and contemporary theater that engages and entertains audiences with high energy and interactive performances. - Richmond Symphony
richmondsymphony.com
As Central Virginia’s largest performing arts organization, the Richmond Symphony offers a range of concerts and educational programs, enriching the cultural landscape of the area. - Richmond Triangle Players
1300 Altamont Ave, Richmond, VA 23230
rtriangle.org
Known for its commitment to exploring themes of equality and identity, this theater company provides a welcoming space for diverse voices and perspectives through compelling performances. - Richmond Urban Dance
richmondurbandance.com
This organization brings the energy of street dance to the studio, creating a positive environment for dancers of all backgrounds to grow and connect. - The Robinson Theater
2903 Q St, Richmond, VA 23223
robinsontheater.org
Committed to enhancing community life, this multi-purpose facility offers a variety of arts and fitness programs that inspire creativity and well-being. - Shockoe Sessions Live!
shockoesessionslive.com - The Valentine
1015 E Clay St, Richmond, VA 23219
thevalentine.org
For over 125 years, The Valentine has been a pillar of Richmond’s cultural landscape, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and guided tours that celebrate the city’s rich history. - Virginia Holocaust Museum
2000 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23223
vaholocaust.org
Dedicated to educating the community about the Holocaust, this museum uses exhibits and outreach programs to convey the importance of tolerance and remembrance. - Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
200 N Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
vmfa.museum
Recognized as one of the top art museums in the country, VMFA houses an extensive collection of art spanning over 5,000 years and offers free general admission year-round. - Virginia Opera
vaopera.org
With a focus on high-quality productions and education, Virginia Opera showcases some of the finest young talents in the industry while fostering a love for the performing arts. - Virginia Repertory Theatre
114 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
virginiarep.org
As the largest professional theatre in Central Virginia, Virginia Rep offers a wide array of productions in a beautifully intimate setting, providing an unmatched theater experience. - Visual Arts Center of Richmond
114 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220
visarts.org
(VisArts) has helped adults and children explore their creativity and make art since 1963. Each year, the organization touches the lives of more than 40,000 people through its classes, exhibitions, community outreach programs, camps, workshops and special events. - 5th Wall Theatre
5thwalltheatre.org
This theater aims to break traditional boundaries through innovative performances that explore the complexities of the human experience.
These local champions are dedicated to making art accessible for all, breaking down barriers, and inviting everyone to join the creative conversation.
Join the Celebration!
During October, artoberVA promotes over 1,000 experiences from over 100 participating artists and arts & culture organizations, including music, dance, theatre, visual art, museums, and more! artoberVA aims to increase participation in arts and culture events and expand the exposure of organizations, venues, and artists shaping our vibrant and creative scene.
If you’re part of an organization looking to jump into the PWYW scene, reach out to Calie Bain at calie@richmondcultureworks.org.
Also, you can submit your events directly to the CultureWorks calendar HERE, and give @artoberVA and @cultureworksrva a follow to stay on top of everything going on.
PHOTOS FROM PAST ARTOBER EVENTS
