[ABINGDON, VA] — [September 12, 2024] – Barter Theatre is thrilled to announce that it has received a General Operating Support grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA). This grant award, beyond representing a continuation of Barter’s partnership with the VCA, is an acknowledgment of Barter’s cultural and social significance in Southwest Virginia and surrounding areas.
The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Supported by funds from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, the VCA gives millions of dollars in grants annually throughout Virginia.
As a nonprofit organization, Barter Theatre enriches the lives of tens of thousands of Virginia residents through world-class theatrical productions while providing high-quality theater education programs, promoting the development of new works of Appalachian theater, and helping to support local businesses by drawing thousands of tourists from both in and out-of-state.
“We are honored to fund and to recognize those supporting a vibrant Virginia. We know – and the data proves – that the arts serve an integral role to positively impact communities and the greater state,” said Virginia Commission for the Arts Executive Director Margaret Hancock. “We value the VCA’s grantees and are proud to support their operations and arts-centric initiatives that drive the local economies, educational offerings, tourism efforts, and creative outputs that truly elevate Virginia.”
Grants – such as those from the VCA – help to support Barter’s longstanding commitment to the people of Southwest Virginia and the Appalachian region. Barter is confident this funding will go a long way to ensuring Barter’s programs continue to provide enriching theater and theater education experiences through the remainder of 2024 and into 2025.
ABOUT BARTER THEATRE
Barter Theatre is a repertory company of resident artists creating world-class theater in the heart of Appalachia. Through its unique capacity to serve the needs and interests of its regional audience and its dedication to artistic innovation, Barter elevates the work of regional theater artists and collaborating artists from across the country. As an institution that was built in and for Appalachian people, Barter is committed to sharing the best of world theater with Appalachia and sharing the best of Appalachian theater with the world. Beyond its Resident Company Productions, Barter Theatre also provides regional students with theater education opportunities, which help those students develop creative abilities, social skills and a greater appreciation for some of the most timeless stories in children’s literature.
ABOUT VIRGINIA COMMISSION FOR THE ARTS
The Virginia Commission for the Arts, established in 1968, is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VCA fulfills its mission through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, distributing grant awards to Virginia artists; arts organizations; educational institutions; nonprofit organizations; educators; and local and tribal governments. Learn more at www.vca.virginia.gov.
