With 2022 on the near horizon and 2021 coming to a close – so is our fall campaign. As the year is ending and a new one is soon to begin, we want to remind you that this is your last chance to donate to your local arts center in 2021.
In donating, sponsoring, becoming a member or even just attending a show at the Academy – you play the most important role within our organization. You draw the line that separates the Academy from being more than just a theatre, but a home for all.
In the fall, the Academy launched the “Where You WANT to be… / Where You NEED to be” campaign. This campaign centered in on what the Academy is, how it operates and who it serves – but mainly, why the Academy is the place where anyone and everyone should be.
We’ve reflected upon this past year, discussing how the Academy Center of the Arts is more than just an arts center, it’s a creative community for the Greater Lynchburg area and beyond. When our programs were disrupted for several months due to COVID-19, we transitioned to offering alternative programming to engage with our patrons while maintaining safety as the pandemic continued to evolve. Our commitment to the Academy’s mission and its programs was critical to our community that needed more than ever to connect, express, and share.
We’ve told your stories by conversing with members that make up our Academy family and Lynchburg community. With Pottery Instructor, Bosco Bae to Art Student, Victoria Hauck, and finally to The Quintero’s, an Academy Youth Theatre family – we have seen how your support impacts our organization and it’s supporters directly.
The Academy Center of the Arts continues to thrive because of you. Your love, your support and your donations keep us afloat – throughout years, pandemics, and closures. Join one of the many thousands of donors who are so valued within our organization as they dedicate their time, love, and donations to our mission.
“As a non-profit organization, we rely on donations to bring top national touring acts to the greater Lynchburg area,” says Dabney Treacy, Development Director. She continues, “Now that the academy is able to return to live ticketed performances, we need the community’s support more than ever.”
With 2022 just around the corner and our fall campaign coming to a close, the Academy is preparing for a new year full of new possibilities. As we look towards 2022, the opportunities are endless. From shows, classes, and other events on the horizon, the Academy is thrilled to play a role in your New Year.
Join us in 2022 for more First Fridays in the Academy Galleries, concerts and performances in the Historic Theatre like Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show or Dance Theatre of Harlem, even free events including the first ever Academy Animation Festival. In 2022, look forward to many new camps and classes in our Art & Pottery Studios as well as within our Academy Youth Theatre productions and Academy in Motion art bus initiatives.
“As we’ve seen in the last two years, art is a way of connecting with our humanity and to others during uncertain and challenging times,” Development Associate, Hannah Cohen, states. “Your Annual Fund gift will go to whatever area is needed most, such as our Academy in Motion program, which brings arts activities to local and rural areas via the Art Bus, or our Education Access Program, which allows students of all ages to participate in artistic experiences despite financial barriers.”
When you choose to support the Academy by becoming a member, you can expect special benefits for upcoming events and productions throughout the organization. “As an Academy member, you’ll get advance notice and ticket access to popular shows and performances before they officially go on sale to the general public,” reminds Hannah Cohen,”Other benefits include discounted concessions, donor recognition, discounts on education and classes, and so much more!”
2022 will be what we make it. Support your local arts center and your community today to ensure that we can support you right back. The marquee lights continue to shine brightly because of you – you fill our seats, classrooms, and hearts with endless amounts of joy.
From gracious donations and incredible amounts of love, the Academy will continue to flourish throughout the next year and beyond. All because of you. Please consider donating to all that the Academy is now and all that it will be in the future thanks to all of your support.
Happy New Year,
The Academy Center of the Arts
BONUS: Give a gift during the FINAL week of our 2021 Fall Campaign and be entered to win a $100 gift card to use at the Academy for upcoming events, classes, and more! To enter to win, donate a gift of any amount at this link.
