A newly formed organization that will serve as the collaborative and collective voice of Richmond ’s arts and cultural community was formally introduced today. CultureWorks will facilitate and coordinate the Richmond Region Cultural Action Plan and serve as the overall champion for the region’s arts and culture.

“This is a time of tremendous excitement and opportunity for the arts in Richmond ,” said William C. Hall, Jr., president of The Dominion Foundation. “CultureWorks will help seize that opportunity, elevating the profile of arts and culture, and of our entire region, in the process.”

CultureWorks’ mission is threefold: to lead public and political advocacy for the region’s cultural arts; to support arts organizations and artists via grants, training, collaboration and awareness; and to serve as a catalyst for diverse partnerships that will make the region stronger.

John Bryan will serve as president for the new organization. Bryan formerly was the associate dean for development, VCU School of the Arts, and also is an exhibiting artist and published author. Brooks Smith, partner, Hunton & Williams LLP, will serve as chair of CultureWorks’ board of directors. Smith has published books on Richmond ’s culture and history and is a frequent commentator for WCVE public radio.

Altria and The Dominion Foundation provided $100,000 each of start-up funding for CultureWorks. Numerous other corporations, foundations and individuals are providing financial support as well.

“CultureWorks will help bring the Cultural Action Plan to life and be a unified voice for arts and culture in the Richmond Region,” said Charlie Agee, director of corporate contributions for Altria. “The plan has the broad support of diverse arts and cultural organizations, local governments, businesses and citizens. It’s a powerful combination when groups come together like this.”

CultureWorks evolved from recommendations outlined in the Richmond Region Cultural Action Plan to create a regional body capable of coordinating the implementation of a more aggressive arts and cultural development plan. Board members of the new organization include those with wide-ranging experience in fine and cultural arts, business, volunteerism and community planning (see attached board list). Along with more than 100 volunteers, the CultureWorks staff and board comprise task teams that are already carrying out Plan recommendations.

“CultureWorks will help to ensure a bright future for our region and its vibrant cultural community and a better quality of life for central Virginia ,” said Bill Martin, director, Valentine History Center . “In essence, we’re building the footprint for the future of arts and culture in central Virginia .”

– The information above was provided by Catherine Gryp