Fifteen years after opening the doors to Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts, I am happy to report that the arts are stronger than ever in the River City! Our local arts ecosystem is brimming with incredible talent that is more reflective of the community, experiences that are more intentional in their representation, and audience engagement that is more broadly encompassing.
The Richmond region has established itself as a top destination for arts and culture, and our citizens are fortunate to be the first to benefit from the incredible quality and vast array of performing arts organizations and artists among us.
Dominion Energy Center was built specifically for our local arts community and is rooted in its commitment to provide a home for our local performing arts sector. Through the pandemic, our donors and patrons stepped up for the arts and doubled-down on their investment in our mission.
On behalf of Richmond Performing Arts Alliance’s (RPAA’s) Board and Staff, I thank each and every one of you for being a Champion for the Performing Arts!
Americans for the Arts reports that the Richmond and Tri-Cities’ nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $329.9 million in economic impact. Their Arts and Economic Prosperity Calculator shows that Dominion Energy Center and its sister venue, Altria Theater, alone generate more than $21 million in total expenditures from spending by the organization and audience members.
While the economic benefit of the arts cannot be denied, there are countless stories that amplify and bring to life the impact of these venues. From a child seeing a Broadway performance for the first time, to a teacher learning how to reach students through the arts, to a patron enjoying a new performance in an historic theater, RPAA continues to hear from the community how important the arts are in their lives.
YOUR story is important to us. What you read about in this snapshot of 15 years of history is made possible by your belief in our mission, your passion for the arts, and your steadfast commitment to the Richmond region. Thank you for giving us so much to celebrate!
History
As we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts, we also reflect on the history of RPAA that officially dates back to 2001 when forward-thinking civic leaders in the Richmond region formed the organization to create a world-class performing arts center for our City.
This Center was intended to be a permanent home for local nonprofit performing arts organizations, first and foremost, while also providing a renowned theater that would put Richmond on the map for touring shows. Together, this activity would foster much-needed economic development in Richmond’s downtown.
After the opening of Dominion Energy Center in 2009, RPAA later added Altria Theater to its family of venues and continued to grow its education programs and community engagement efforts. Today, through continued partnership with the City of Richmond, the Resident Company Association, downtown businesses, and many community organizations, RPAA is proud to see the vision of its founders realized.
Abbi L. Haggerty, PhD Executive Director
We look forward to another 15 years of serving the community through our mission to SUPPORT the artists of today, NURTURE the artists of tomorrow, and provide spaces for the arts to THRIVE!
Being a member of RPAA has proven immensely rewarding, allowing me to collaborate with a dynamic team of artistic administrators and visionaries united by a shared mission: to make the arts and art education accessible to every population in Richmond. This esteemed organization exemplifies the intersection of education, community engagement, and artistic excellence.
Diane Hayes
The City of Richmond
Mission
Advancing the performing arts in the Richmond region through programs and resources that SUPPORT the artists of today, NURTURE the artists of tomorrow, and provide spaces for the arts to THRIVE.
Statement of Inclusion
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance and its Resident Companies welcome all to experience and celebrate the arts with us. We strive to foster a caring and kind community of purposeful inclusion. We value diversity in person, thought, gender, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, education, religion, and socio-economic status. We hope that all feel safe, welcome, and comfortable within our walls.
Community Agreements
Local Economic Impact
Admissions Tax Revenue Generated to City of Richmond over 15 Years
$3,378,980
$10,796,348
80% of patrons at Dominion Energy Center reside outside of the City of Richmond, generating additional revenue through dining experiences, hotel stays, and other tourist activities.
As part of a continued effort to keep Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the forefront of the organization’s work, RPAA has adopted Community Agreements that can be found online. Scan the QR code to the right to read through the Agreements.
Venue Activity
Resident Companies
RPAA is proud to be affiliated with numerous performing arts organizations who call our venues home, each who bring amazing performances and engaging programs to audiences of all ages. Through venue subsidies, education partnerships, and other collaborative efforts, RPAA and the Resident Companies work together to create a vibrant performing arts community.
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance has been instrumental in enabling Richmond Shakespeare to bring classic works for a modern audience to thousands of patrons at Dominion Energy Center. As a founding resident company of Dominion Energy Center, we are proud to partner with RPAA on our various educational programs including Bardathon, which offers an opportunity for students from high schools across the region to collaborate on the production of a single Shakespeare play and have it live streamed to their schools. We look forward to continuing our partnership with RPAA for the next 15 years and beyond!
Jase Sullivan
Richmond Shakespeare
Over the past 15 years, RPAA has invested more than $4 MILLION in providing arts education opportunities to the region, largely at no cost to families or schools, through its BrightLights Education Initiatives.
Support
RPAA supports today’s artists by cultivating diverse arts experiences.
3,043,391 PATRONS were welcomed to Altria Theater and 1,445,834 PATRONS were welcomed to Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts over the past 15 years of ticketed performances.
Nurture
RPAA nurtures tomorrow’s artists through programming and experiences that deepen their connection to the arts.
MORE THAN 57,000 students, families, and educators were served through the BrightLights Education Initiatives over the past 15 years, participating in regional school and community-based programming.
Thrive
RPAA provides spaces for the arts to thrive by supporting Richmond’s premier historical venues.
7,379 PERFORMANCES, REHEARSALS, AND EVENTS have taken place at Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center since their openings.
Richmond Marriott Downtown is proud to support the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance. Our partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting local culture and creativity. The arts are a vital part of Richmond’s identity, and by supporting RPAA, we help ensure that the arts can thrive, bringing joy, education, and inspiration to our city.
AJ Dutcher
Richmond Marriott Downtown
600 E. Grace St. Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23219