Steering committee selected for Charlottesville Area Arts Council planning project

The Charlottesville area has been without an officially-recognized arts council since the last one folded abruptly in 2017. The Board of Directors of the Piedmont Council for the Arts decided to shutter that year after 38 years in operation, as described by Jackson Landers in a C-Ville Weekly article.

Now the group New City Arts has launched a planning process to create a new one and has now announced the members of a steering committee that will oversee the work.

“Their role is to provide insight, ensure broad community perspectives are represented, and co-create recommendations for how a future Arts Council can equitably serve the city’s diverse arts and culture ecosystem,” reads an information release sent out at 1:13 p.m. today.

There were 59 applications and 15 names have been listed. All of the text comes from New City Arts with links added.

• Fenella Belle — Artist and educator living in Louisa County whose work is rooted in storytelling and community; Chair, Visual and Performing Arts at PVCC; Associate Member, McGuffey Art Center
• Courtney Cacatian — Director of the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, Courtney advances cultural tourism and strengthens community partnerships
• Jalia Dillard — Multidisciplinary creative and organizer committed to equity and representation in cultural spaces; Graphic Designer and Content Creator, Light House Studio; Former City & County Wide Charlottesville Mural Project Fellow
• Dr. Andrea Douglas — Founding Executive Director of the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and leading voice on cultural equity and history
• Brittany Fan — Painter, photographer, illustrator, and designer whose work captures landscapes, identity, and belonging.
• James Freas — Deputy City Manager for Operations with the City of Charlottesville, James brings expertise in planning, housing, and community development.
• Olivia Gabbay — Gamer and political organizer bringing perspectives from community advocacy and emerging cultural spaces.
• Jessica Harris — Interdisciplinary theatre artist, director, and producer exploring themes of identity, belonging, and collaboration; Founder and Artistic Director, Empowered Players; Board President, Descendants of Enslaved Communities of Virginia; Assistant Director of Community Research, the Center for Community Partnerships at UVA; UVA Arts Council
• Tobiah Mundt — Sculptural fiber artist known for imaginative works merging craft traditions with contemporary narratives; Founding Member, Charlottesville Black Arts Collective (CBAC); Resident Artist, McGuffey Art Center
• Jordan Perry — Musician, composer, and teacher based in Charlottesville who fosters creative expression and collaboration; Program Director, Music Resource Center (MRC)
• Dutch Senft — Visual artist, gallerist, and educator dedicated to cultivating creative connections and expanding access to the arts; Aunspaugh Fellow at UVA
• Jeremy Stern — Marketing and data professional engaged in Charlottesville’s arts scene, Jeremy has served on the board of the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative and hosts CreativeMornings Charlottesville.
• Annie Temmink — Artist and educator whose practice focuses on material exploration, ecological engagement, and community-centered artmaking; Associate Technical Director at Live Arts; Teaching Artist, VMFA
• Ann E. Wall — Deputy County Manager for Albemarle County with three decades of public service experience and leadership in community development, public engagement, and local government.
• Natasha Woods — Charlottesville-based artist and filmmaker blending visual storytelling with themes of community and justice; Assistant Director, Visible Records

The Arts Council Feasibility Study is expected to take about seven months and there are many benefactors. These include: UVA Arts & the Office of the Provost & the Vice Provost for the Arts; the City of Charlottesville; The FUNd at CACF; the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau (CACVB), and the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation.

“The project is rooted in the belief that sustainable arts infrastructure should be shaped by the community it serves, ensuring that Charlottesville’s arts and culture sector has the resources and advocacy needed to thrive,” reads the information release.

The steering committee is expected to meet sometime this month in advance of a public kickoff on October 15 and October 16. For more information, visit the New City Arts website.

Before you go: The time to write and conduct research for this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment comes from the September 22, 2025 edition of the program. To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.