Staff Spotlight: Daniel Jones, Tri-Cities Program Manager

As both a native of the Tri-Cities and an artist himself, Daniel Jones brings a deep personal connection to his work at CultureWorks. Since joining the team in 2022, he has been dedicated to strengthening the arts and culture landscape in Hopewell, Petersburg, and Colonial Heights through innovative programs, community partnerships, and artist-centered support. Daniel understands firsthand the transformative power of creativity, and in this spotlight, he shares how CultureWorks is helping that power flourish across the region.

CultureWorks: What is your role at CultureWorks, and what does a typical day look like for you?

Daniel: I am the Tri-Cities Program Manager, which means I work largely in Hopewell, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Southern Chesterfield; however, we recently added Prince George and Dinwiddie Counties to our service area. My role is very different from the rest of the team and it is hard to say what a typical day looks like, but mostly I play connect the dots. I spend a lot of time meeting and communicating with artists and organizations in the region, assessing their needs, promoting their work, encouraging collaboration, etc. I also coordinate cultural equity programs and recently completed our 4th Annual Artoberfest in Petersburg, which took up a lot of days. 

CultureWorks: What drew you to this position and to working in the arts and cultural sector?

Daniel: Basically, the lack of infrastructure and support for arts and culture in the region. I moved to Europe in 2015 because I felt like the area didn’t have much to offer. When I returned, I wanted to be more involved with community work. Then the role with CultureWorks came up, I jumped at it. It combines my passion for community development with the arts.  

CultureWorks: What part of CultureWorks’ mission resonates most with you personally?

Daniel: Generally, strengthening Tri-Cities artists and organizations. The scene here doesn’t enjoy the same resources, infrastructure, notoriety, or support that Richmond’s scene does. I enjoy working to support my local arts and culture community every day in any way I can.   

CultureWorks: How do you see art and culture making an impact in our region right now?

Daniel: Over the past few years, the art scene in the Tri-Cities has grown. There are more artists and organizations working with youth and making a difference in their lives. Artists and organizations are better connected to each other and we’ve seen more collaborations. We also know, thanks to our newest arts and economic prosperity survey, that Tri-Cities artists and organizations generate $16.4 million in revenue for the region, and that’s just the nonprofit sector. Arts and culture are driving the economy, bringing people together, adding value, and building livable communities. 

CultureWorks: What’s something you wish more people knew about the creative community here?

Daniel: That we have a thriving creative community here. Richmond gets a lot of attention, but we have native artists here that are globally known. We have globally know artists that somehow found their way to the Tri-Cities and put down roots. The scene is not as big as Richmond’s, but it is here and it is growing!

CultureWorks: If you could take the whole team to one local cultural event or spot, where would you choose and why?

Daniel: Probably Friday for the Arts in Petersburg. It’s like Richmond’s First Fridays art walk, but on the second Friday of every month. It was big before COVID and now we are trying to restore it to its former glory. You can hop around Old Towne Petersburg and enjoy different experiences, like arts exhibitions, live music, spoken word, popup events, and more at multiple venues.   

CultureWorks: If you could learn any new creative skill, what would it be?

Daniel: Photography is my creative outlet and how I practice my art, but I started with digital. I’d love to learn darkroom techniques and develop my own film. I am also intensely passionate about music but never learned to play an instrument, so I’d like to learn violin or the bass guitar. 

CultureWorks: What are you excited about in the months ahead—for your work, your community, or your own creative life?

Daniel: There seems to be a palpable energy in the Tri-Cities right now. I don’t know if it’s the influx of new residents, the State expenditures, a new casino, new companies, or what, but things are changing and the prospective future is exciting. Hopefully, the arts and culture scene can ride that energetic wave and continue to grow with and enrich our community.