The Academy Center of the Arts has announced the kick off of The Academy Is…fundraising campaign, taking the place of their annual Gala and annual fund goals, which aims to provide necessary operating funds for the organization.
“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,” said Meredith Whetsell, Chief Development Officer. “The arts help us discover more about ourselves, our humanity, and our connection to others, which is more important now than ever before.”
The Academy Is…campaign highlights the many ways the Academy Center of the Arts serves our community.
“The Academy is a multi-faceted organization that offers purpose, place, and perspective for both individuals and collective community,” said Geoffrey Kershner, Executive Director. “No matter your connection to us – through art, performance, family, or history – you are a part of what the Academy is.”
In addition to accepting direct donations to the campaign, The Academy Is… also offers community members two additional ways to support, including the option to participate in a two-week-long virtual Art Auction featuring work from over 100 area artists, and the ability to tune in live to a live-streamed community performance showcase featuring nine area performers and performance groups.
“In addition to raising awareness and funds for our organization, it is vital that we use our platforms to do the same for our area artists and performers,” said Brittany Griffith, Director of Programming. “The impact of COVID-19 on the performing arts industry is widespread and that impact is not limited to large performing arts venues only. Artists and performers from our community are also suffering and it is our goal to also support them during this time.”
The Art Auction opens online September 4, 2020. An in-person opening reception will be held that same day from 5PM – 8PM at the Harrington Gallery Building, 600 Main Street, during First Fridays. Half of the proceeds from the auction directly benefit the ACOA, with the second half directly benefiting the participating artists. More information on the auction can be found at academycenter.org/academyis.
The live-streamed community performance showcase, Live from Lynchburg!, will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2020, starting at 7:30PM on the Academy’s website, YouTube and Facebook Live channels. Hosted by Spence and Niki White, this event features performances by local artists and celebrates the depth and diversity of the performers and performing arts organizations that the Academy Center of the Arts serves in our local community. More information can be found at academycenter.org/academyis.
“During this trying time, we need your support to help us continue to be a place of community and connection,” said Geoffrey Kershner. “Your support of The Academy Is… is an investment in the present as well as the future. Shepherding the Academy through this moment, knowing we will have this incredible venue and organization to return to, gives our community something crucial in this moment; hope.”
To learn more about The Academy Is…Campaign, visit academycenter.org/academyis.
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The Academy Center of the Arts, anchored by the historic Academy of Music Theatre, is greater Lynchburg’s multi-facility center for arts, culture, and community building, occupying 1.25 blocks on Main Street in downtown Lynchburg. The Academy Center of the Arts, previously known as the Academy of Fine Arts, was formed in 2003 from the merger of the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center and the Academy of Music Theatre, Inc. Built in 1905 and closed in 1958, the Theatre is one of the few surviving Beaux-Arts style theatres in Virginia. For more information, visit www.AcademyCenter.org.
