Bringing you updates and reflections on the past and present on-goings of CultureWorks this quarter!

Coffee Hour Virtual Program

We launched our newest program, Coffee Hour, in March with a Q & A presentation on intellectual property by Justin Laughter.  Our own Shelby Finkelstein followed with a presentation on funding strategies in April.  

Many have asked us to provide access to educational workshops and training and we are very excited to offer this free workshop series.  A big thank you to all of the volunteer speakers that make this possible!    

Registration for upcoming workshops can be done via our website. All sessions are recorded and will be available under the Resources tab.  If you have a topic of interest or would like to be a guest presenter please reach out to Kathryn Thompson at kathryn@richmondcultureworks.org.

Cadence Pipeline New Works Fellowship

Cadence Theater announced its 2023/2024 Pipeline Fellows earlier this year. This program aims to develop new works under the mentorship of industry professionals, culminating in fully developed pieces by the end of the program.  The fellowship has seven playwrights and five screenwriters working with David Lindsey-Abaire and Clay McLeod Chapman.  Our own Kathryn Thompson is in the current cohort developing a TV pilot as a follow up to her first short film.  You can read more about the 2023/2024 fellows here.

The organization premiered Cross Stitch Bandits, written by fellows Sanam Laila Hashemi and Steven Burneson, in February at the Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse.  How To Bruise Gracefully, written by fellow Brittany Fisher, is being presented at the Virginia Repertory Theatre through May 21st. Tickets can be bought online here.  

BHMVA Exhibit Opens

 Art of Freedom II will feature Virginia born and Virginia based artists. It is an invitation for patrons to experience artists’ works that represent the everchanging atmosphere of our world due to successes, failures, war, disease (COVID-19 pandemic, Black Lives Matter, removal and additions to monuments and public art) and other factors. The exhibition will present a fundamental concept – FREEDOM – as seen through the lens of the participating artists. The exhibit opens May 24th at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia and will run through December 17th. Visit their website for exhibit and ticket information.

CultureWorks In The Community

You can spot CultureWorks staff at many events and performances throughout the Richmond and Tri-Cities region.  Recently staff volunteered at the Petersburg Family YMCA to help with a Kaboom playground build. You can also catch our President,  Scott Garka, in an upcoming performance of Mama Mia.  Purchase tickets here!

Networking Events

Thank you to everyone who attended our Spring Networking Mixer!  We had 35 participants register and we look forward to growing this number at our future events! CultureWorks provides refreshments, networking activities, and an opportunity for those working in the arts and culture sector to meet and form new partnerships.  Our April Happy Hour was also a success with about 20 in attendance.  Find out more about our upcoming networking events here and make sure you’re on our mailing list!  Our next Networking Mixer will be June 7th from 5 to 7 PM at the American Civil War Museum.  Register here!

We’d like to thank SPARC for hosting our March Networking Mixer. Our networking events will rotate venues quarterly. If your organization would like to host an upcoming event, please contact Kathryn Thompson, Community Engagement Strategist, at kathryn@richmondcultureworks.org.

American Civil War Museum Exhibit

Coming in June, the American Civil War Museum will present a pop-up exhibit about the individuals who served in the United States Colored Troops during the Civil War.

Beyond Valor: United States Colored Troops and the Fight for Freedom honors the contributions of the African American soldiers who fought to preserve the Union in pursuit of their freedom. Featuring never-before-displayed artifacts, video elements, and educational resources, Beyond Valor will be open daily.

This project originated in support of the Cameron Art Museum Boundless project and their “Call for Descendants” page is featured as part of The American Civil War Museum website.