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University of Virginia Council for the Arts

In 1990, the President’s Council for the Arts was created with Mort Caplin as its chair. The first annual fund grant was made by the Arts Council to the University in 1999 for a studio art building plan. This began as an informal process of contributions from the Arts Council to advance areas of the arts at U.Va. The grant process was launched formally in 2003.

Mission

The Arts Council provides advocacy, advice, and support for the arts at the University of Virginia. The council strives to develop and strengthen the bonds of interest and participation among the departments and programs of the McIntire Department of Art, the Department of Drama (including the Dance Program), Media Studies (including the Virginia Film Festival), the McIntire Department of Music, the School of Architecture, the Fiske Kimball Fine Arts Library, the Music Library, the University of Virginia Art Museum, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection, and their alumni and friends. In addition, the Arts Council advocates on the behalf of these departments and programs to advise and assist with communications as well as to help raise funds in support of academic programs, facilities, and special events.

Advocacy

The Arts Council works on Grounds, in the Charlottesville community, and beyond to promote the arts at the University.

Advice

Arts Council members advise the University through meetings, focus groups, and through larger discussions on aspects of arts facilities or programs. Between meetings, selected members are called upon by faculty and administration to serve as arts experts. Direct interactions with deans, arts department chairs, program directors, and artists and patrons, are part of this function.

Support

A $2,500 annual contribution to the Annual Fund for the Arts is an expectation of Arts Council membership over and above gifts to other programs at the University to which council members already contribute. Each council member is strongly encouraged to make a leadership gift for arts capital projects, programs, or endowment.

Council Membership

Approved April 4, 2008

The Arts Council seeks to develop a group experienced with the University's unique and complex arts environment and who share a vision for the future of the arts at U.Va. The council shall have between 30 and 40 members whose interests and experiences span the visual and performing arts, and whose ages, geographic locations, genders, cultures, and ethnicities reflect the diversity of the University's constituencies and its arts community. Preference in membership will be given to those who have demonstrated significant support for the University and the arts.

There are three categories of members—Active, Emeritus, and Ex-Officio.

Active members of the Arts Council are:

  • Volunteers with an expressed and demonstrated interest in the arts at U.Va.
  • Volunteers sitting on other University advisory boards such as the Board of Visitors, the Campaign Executive Committee, or NCOUR.
  • Up to three University of Virginia students majoring in art, drama, media studies, or music as identified by the dean of the College with input from the department chairs. These students are presented to the Nominating Committee. Their role is to provide a student perspective on the U.Va. arts experience.
  • Representatives of other arts-related University boards and foundations such as the University of Virginia Art Museum Advisory Board, Charlottesville Symphony Society Board of Directors or Campaign Cabinet, Virginia Film Festival Advisory Board or Council of Friends, Media Studies Advisory Board, School of Architecture Foundation, College Foundation, or Heritage Repertory Theatre Guild.
  • Members are elected for a three-year renewable term. There is no limit to the number of renewals.

Emeritus members of the Arts Council:

  • Include former active members of the Arts Council. Emeritus status is conferred at the conclusion of an active member's term(s).
  • Remain informed and receive invitations to Arts Council meetings, but are not obligated to attend meetings or contribute to the Annual Fund for the Arts.
  • May serve on Arts Council committees and vote on committee business.

Ex-officio members of the Arts Council:

  • Include the Vice Provost for the Arts and the Director of the Arts Grounds Campaign who function as the primary staff support for and University liaisons to the Arts Council.
  • Serve on the Executive Committee and may serve on other Arts Council committees but cannot vote on council or committee business.

More information