As 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.
Moving 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
