Group that runs IX Art Park and immersive museum rebrands

The organization that runs two arts-related entities in south-central Charlottesville has a new name and is looking toward a more sustainable future. 

The Ix Art Park Foundation is now the Ix Arts Foundation after a year of reorganization and scaling back some of their programming. The non-profit group operates the IX Art Park as well as the Looking Glass Immersive Art Museum on the site of the former textile factory. 

“Making those changes last year was not easy, but our Board of Directors knew they were necessary for our future,” said Ewa Harr, the foundation’s executive director.

Harr said a year ago the organization was facing an uncertain future and has now focused on a core set of offerings including the weekly Farmers Market, free admission to the Looking Glass thanks to corporate sponsor FLOW Toyota, and a recurring trio of festivals. 

Soon they will launch a fundraising campaign to be called “PhoenIX: Rising Together” intended to further secure continued arts events. 

“Thanks to our supporters, we have not only weathered the storm but are now more energized than ever,” said Susan Kuttner, the president of the Ix Art Foundation’s board of directors. “With this new fundraising campaign, we aim to build on our recent successes and ensure that IX remains a vital hub for creativity, connection, and community for years to come.”

The Frank Ix and Sons textile factory closed in 1999 and the two parcels were purchased by the firm Monticello Associates LLC for $5.3 million. The firm’s partners include Ludwig Kuttner. In 2017, the firm and representatives of the Ix Art Park asked for a lower tax assessment based on a claim that civic uses were taking place. 

The Board of Equalization denied the claim as I reported at the time for Charlottesville Tomorrow. 

The tenth anniversary of Ix Art Park will be celebrated on September 21 followed by Fantasy Fest on October 26. 

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