Academy Center of the Arts

Lynchburg's Local Arts Center

New name. New Look.

Fine Arts CenterAs a child, I had the fortune of participating in activity at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center. This experience was important to me on a number of levels. One, it was an opportunity to for me to spend quality time with my father who was also involved. Two, it was during this time that I really discovered my love for theatre. Three, I became a part of a community and I felt like I belonged and this was very important to an awkward adolescent who had not found a strong community in his county school. The Lynchburg Fine Arts Center was a center for community building for so many. In my opinion, when the Academy of Music Theatre and the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center merged over a decade ago and formed a new hybrid name, the most important word was lost. I want to bring the word “center “back and I believe it should be at the heart of how the Academy identifies itself moving forward. We are the center of arts activity in our community and we are a center for public gathering and most importantly, community building.


12119964_10106832314768283_3715857597700184006_oMoving forward, we are the Academy Center of the Arts. Part of this decision is also practical. The name change will more clearly articulate to the general public who we are and what we do. We are a multi-facility arts center and want to share this through our name. The word center also illustrates that we are the center of arts activity in our community, much like the former Lynchburg Fine Arts Center. We are a place for community building, with facilities and offerings that include the performing arts, the visual arts, pottery and education. This name also prepares us for a future when we will be a multi-theatre facility with the addition of the historic Academy Theatre.

Along with our new name, our new logo sends a message of energy, accessibility, and inclusion to our patrons, donors, and constituents. Our website is now .org instead of .com, to illustrate our dedication to service. We are first and foremost here to make our community a better place, serving our fellow citizens through arts and culture.

Geoffrey Kershner
Executive Director

CONTACT US:

(434) 846-8499
600 Main Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
SUPPORT THE ACADEMY DONATE
STAY UP TO DATE EMAIL UPDATES

CURRENT ACADEMY HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES 9/24/21

At the Academy Center of the Arts, the health and safety of our patrons, staff, performers, and volunteers is our priority. Like you, we are closely monitoring COVID-19 and its current impact on our community, and are following CDC guidelines and recommendations from local authorities and the Virginia Department of Health.


In response to current CDC recommendations, the requests of our performing artists, and to protect our community, everyone entering the Academy Center of the Arts’ facilities for Academy ticketed performances, classes, and gallery activities will be required to wear a face mask as of September 17, 2021.


– Guests must remain masked at all times, however, masks can be removed momentarily only when eating or drinking.

– Masks must fit snugly and cover the wearer’s nose and mouth.

– Masks will be readily available in our lobbies, galleries, and classrooms for patrons in need.


Upcoming events that require COVID-19 Vaccination OR Proof of Negative COVID-19 Diagnostic test result are listed at academycenter.org/health-safety-guidelines/.


Any patrons with tickets to an Academy performance that do not wish to comply with our current policies may receive a full refund through our Box Office, M-F, 12PM – 5PM, by phone at (434) 846-8499 or by email at [email protected].