The Academy Is
At the Academy Center of the Arts, we believe that one of the cornerstones of a thriving, vibrant, healthy community is having access to a multitude of art and cultural opportunities. The arts help us discover more about ourselves, our humanity, and our connection to others, which is more important now than ever before.
Throughout this year, all of us have faced individual, community, and global challenges that have tested our emotional and physical fortitude and forced us to examine our values and priorities. However, this time has also brought forth innovation, hope, and creativity that not only provides practical solutions but also nurtures the spirit and soul. The Academy Center of the Arts has been a local and regional leader in these efforts by finding alternative ways to provide for and engage our patrons, donors, and community. We have adapted our educational content and performance programming but have also reached beyond our traditional offerings to be responsive to the needs of the present moment. As community needs continue to change, so will our approaches and offerings.
The ACOA is a multifaceted organization that offers purpose, place, and perspective for both individuals and the collective community. No matter your connection to us- through art, performance, family, or history- you are a part of what the Academy is. During this trying time, we need your support to help the Academy continue to be a place of community and connection. While we have worked diligently to remain cash positive and financially stable up to this point, we need your support for that to continue.
With this, we are announcing the launch of The Academy Is… Campaign. During 2020, The Academy Is… will take the place of our Gala and annual fund goals and provide the ACOA necessary operation funding, and we invite you to participate in several ways.
Be a Part of What the Academy Is
The Academy is: Community
Donate Directly to the Campaign
Donate to our Fall Campaign and support the arts in your community. Your donation will directly support arts outreach and access for local organizations, arts partners, and community members in need.
For those who are current Academy Members, our membership program is not going away! It is simply being condensed to a twice-yearly appeal. If your 2019 annual Membership expires between August and December, you’ll be asked to renew your annual fund gift during our October appeal instead of on a rolling basis.
To donate to the campaign, click the link below.
The Academy is: Art
Art Auction Raised over $70,000 to Support the ACOA and Participating Artists
The Academy Center of the Arts’ 2020 Virtual Art Auction closed this past Friday, September 18, 2020. The Auction featured a total of 124 pieces of both locally and regionally made artwork displayed in the Harrington Galleries, and was the first part of the multi-layered 2020 fundraising campaign entitled “The Academy Is…” .
The bidding began on the 4th of September during First Friday, a monthly occurrence held at the Academy. Over 100 Artists’ pieces were promoted almost strictly through email and social media over the two-week bidding period. By the time of closing, there were a total of 238 excited bidders who participated in the auction, raising their ‘virtual paddles’ with over 1300 bids.
“The Academy’s Virtual Art Auction has been a huge success,” said Ted Batt, Director of Visual Arts. “I am grateful to all of the artists and the Lynchburg Community who have come out to support both the Academy and the artists by bidding on the 124 pieces in the show. With the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Art Auction was a critical fundraiser for the Academy but just as importantly, a way to support the artists in our community.”
The fundraising goal was originally set to an ambitious $90,000, and the winning bids totaled to $73,240 raised. The Academy will benefit from almost $50,000 of that total, with artists choosing to donate either 50% or 100% of the proceeds back to the Academy.
“It is absolutely amazing that during a time like this, where artists are struggling as the sale of art continues to fall, that so many local artists would choose to participate and willingly donate a portion of their proceeds to our organization,” said Geoffrey Kershner, Executive Director. “We are thankful for the support of the local artist community, and will continue to support area artists however we can in the coming months.”
The Academy is: Community
Tune in to Live From Lynchburg!
On Saturday, November 7, 2020, we’re going LIVE FROM LYNCHBURG on the Historic Academy Theatre stage with our first live-streamed fundraiser hosted by Spence and Niki White of Cavalier Theatre.
Tune in digitally starting at 7:30PM and celebrate the depth and diversity of the performers and performing arts organizations that the Academy Center of the Arts serves in our local community. Featuring multiple performances, live on-air interviews, and more, this event aims to raise awareness and funds to support arts and cultural activities in the Greater Lynchburg area.
Participating Performers Include:
434 Drumline
Lynchburg Dance Connection
Apple Butter Soul
Dj Phinestro
Paddy Dougherty
Academy Youth Theatre
The Listening, Inc.
Vacation Manor
Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra
Farm Use String Band
Taylor Rodriguez
To learn more, visit the link below.
