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
Participate in the Art Auction
Participate in the Art Auction featuring works from local and regional artists, running September 4 – 18, 2020, online through ClickBid and in-person at the Harrington Gallery Building, 600 Main Street.
Half of the proceeds from the Art Auction will benefit the Academy Center of the Arts, funding the Arts Access Program, with the second half of the proceeds directly benefiting the participating artists.
Public access begins September 4, 2020, with a First Friday opening on-site from 5PM-8PM, and continues through Friday, September 18, 2020 at 9PM.
Public viewing hours will take place Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM in the Gallery through the end of the auction. Private in-person viewings of the show may take place by appointment, by contacting Ted Batt via email at [email protected].
Winning bidders will be contacted following the close of the show.
To learn more about the 2020 Art Auction and to view available pieces, visit the link below.
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.
Watch live on our website or by visiting our YouTube or Facebook Live channels. This live-streamed event is supported by Watts Creative Studios.
Participating Performers Include:
Lynchburg Dance Connection
Apple Butter Soul
Dj Phinestro
Paddy Braunstein
Academy Youth Theatre
The Listening, Inc.
Vacation Manor
Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra
Farm Use String Band
Taylor Rodriguez
To learn more, visit the link below.
