About Us

Background

Established in 1968 as an agency of state government, the Virginia Commission for the Arts was created to support and stimulate excellence in all of the arts, in their full cultural and ethnic diversity, and to make the arts accessible to all Virginians.

Toward this end it provides financial assistance for arts activities and information/advisory services to artists, arts organizations, and others interested in the arts. The Commission's funds come from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

The agency is guided by 13 Commissioners appointed to five-year terms by the Governor and confirmed by the General Assembly. To ensure statewide representation, at least one Commissioner -- and no more than two -- is appointed from each congressional district. A staff of six implements programs and policies.

The Commission is assisted by several advisory panels. The Guidelines for Funding, 2008-2010 (pdf), describes the grant programs of the agency. The publication covers activities taking place between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2010. This document reflects the advice of many of the constituents of the Commission.

The agency encourages anyone in Virginia to comment on its programs and services by writing to or calling the Commission office (804)225-3132, or by sending an e-mail to the Commission. arts@arts.virginia.gov

For more information about the funding opportunities of the Commission, eligibility, application deadlines and review criteria, please read or download the Guidelines for Funding 2008-2010.