Virginians for the Arts (VFTA), in partnership with Dominion Resources, is proud to announce the 5th Annual Dominion ArtStars Awards. The 2015 awards will celebrate arts and education in the community, recognizing arts organizations that best demonstrate and advance the synergy of arts and education. These awards emphasize the contributions of arts organizations through their partnership and collaboration with schools across the Commonwealth.
“The Dominion ArtStars Awards offer arts organizations in Virginia the opportunity to be recognized on a statewide platform,” said VFTA Executive Director Petrina Jones. “We are grateful for Dominion’s continued partnership with VFTA to celebrate the meaningful social and economic impact of the arts and appreciate Dominion’s commitment to helping the environment, critical community needs, and education.”
“Dominion is pleased to partner with VFTA in honoring these exceptional arts programs across the Commonwealth,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Foundation. “We value their contributions toward building vibrant communities and driving a stronger economy.”
Applicants may select one program serving Pre-K through 12th Grade students for consideration in the following categories:
–Shining Star Award ($5,000). VFTA and Dominion will present one Shining Star Award to a Virginia organization with (i) a qualifying arts and education program in existence for six or more years and (ii) an annual budget of $1 million or higher.
–Regional Shining Star Awards ($5,000 each). VFTA and Dominion will present five regional Shining Star Awards, one in each region to an arts organization with (i) a qualifying arts and education program in existence for six or more years and (ii) with an annual budget of less than $1 million.Â
–Rising Star Awards ($1,000 each). VFTA and Dominion will present two Rising Star Awards, each to a Virginia organization with a qualifying arts and education program in existence for three to five years, regardless of annual budgets.Â
Virginians for the Arts will accept entries beginning April 16th and ending June 19th by email at [email protected] . Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations headquartered in Virginia. Judging will occur over the summer and award winners will be announced in September with official recognition to follow. Entry forms are available at www.VaForArts.org.Â
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
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Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
