Staff Spotlight: Emily Crawford, Office Assistant
We’re excited to introduce Emily Crawford, our Office Assistant and the friendly face who helps keep CultureWorks running smoothly every day. From supporting daily operations to assisting with events, communications, and community outreach, Emily plays a key role in ensuring our team and our partners have what they need to thrive. With strong organizational skills, a welcoming spirit, and a passion for the arts, Emily brings both reliability and heart to the CultureWorks office. In this spotlight, we’re thrilled to share more about the person who helps keep everything (and everyone!) moving forward.
CultureWorks: What is your role at CultureWorks, and what does a typical day look like for you?
Emily: My official title is “Office Assistant,” but really, I do a little bit of everything. Typical days are filled with moderating the Arts & Culture Calendar, keeping track of weekly donations, sending acknowledgment letters, setting up board meetings, and helping the rest of the staff stay organized and on top of things. I also buy the snacks.
CultureWorks: What drew you to this position and to working in the arts and cultural sector?
Emily: I have an art history background, and formerly worked at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The pandemic started, I moved to Richmond, and working in finance was not fulfilling. Knowing that the work I do and the support I provide helps to bolster the Richmond Arts & Culture community is a big reason I enjoy working for CultureWorks.
CultureWorks: What part of CultureWorks’ mission resonates most with you personally?
Emily: Arts and culture are FOR EVERYONE. There should not be any barriers to access, either in experience or creation.
CultureWorks: How do you see art and culture making an impact in our region right now?
Emily: Well, we did just wrap up artoberVA, ending the month of arts and culture celebration with an Arts and Culture Summit at Studio Two Three. The Summit gathered artists, leaders, and impact-makers from across Richmond and the Tri-Cities to discuss accessibility, expanding their reach, and how to maximize community connection in an evolving cultural landscape.
CultureWorks: What’s something you wish more people knew about the creative community here?
Emily: The comedy/improv scene is incredible!
CultureWorks: If you could take the whole team to one local cultural event or spot, where would you choose and why?
Emily: There are live DnD/improv shows, and I’d love to take the team to one. It’s creativity and storytelling and jokes and community all rolled (pun intended) into one fun time.
CultureWorks: If you could learn any new creative skill, what would it be?
Emily: I would love to be able to draw well! Unfortunately, the best I can do is stick figures and floor plans.
CultureWorks: What are you excited about in the months ahead—for your work, your community, or your own creative life?
Emily: Things to be excited about: holiday makers’ markets, spotting all of Richmond’s wild’n’wacky tacky holiday lights, and finding the next piece of art for my house.