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2016 SESSION

16105804D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 185
Offered March 2, 2016
Commending the Virginia Arts Festival.
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Patrons-- Villanueva, Bloxom, Davis, Helsel, Heretick, Hester, James, Jones, Knight, Leftwich, Lindsey, Mason, Miller, Minchew, Miyares, Pogge, Price, Spruill, Stolle, Taylor, Ward and Yancey
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WHEREAS, in 2016, the Virginia Arts Festival proudly celebrates 20 years of presenting world-renowned music, dance, theater, and other performing arts programs to the people of Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Arts Festival was founded in 1997; its mission is to bring world-class performing arts to Hampton Roads, impact the lives of students with outstanding year-round educational programs, commission works of national and international significance, and make a tangible difference in the area with regional partnerships and the positive economic impact generated by cultural tourism; and

WHEREAS, over the years, the Virginia Arts Festival has presented many regional and national premieres, and regularly commissions musical, dance, and theatrical works from influential composers, choreographers, and playwrights that are performed at venues throughout Hampton Roads; and

WHEREAS, educational outreach is a major component of the Virginia Arts Festival; thousands of students enjoy matinee performances, in-school presentations, and are able to develop their artistic abilities by participating in artists’ residencies, master classes, and workshops; and

WHEREAS, to help realize its mission and ensure that the festival will enhance the cultural life of Hampton Roads for years to come, the Virginia Arts Festival has embarked on a $12 million capital campaign; the funds raised will go toward the festival’s endowment, expand educational outreach programs, increase the festival’s economic impact, and support many other initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the 2016 Virginia Arts Festival will open with a Spring for Dance Gala, featuring dancers from seven world-renowned companies performing selected works, accompanied by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Arts Festival’s 20th season also includes a world premiere by the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the 20th Virginia International Tattoo, and a fully staged new production of The Tempest to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death; and

WHEREAS, the organizers of the Virginia Arts Festival expect large audiences at the 2016 events and nearly 35,000 students to take part in educational outreach programs; the festival’s annual economic impact is more than $17.3 million statewide; and

WHEREAS, with an array of performances, including past favorites and new artists, the 2016 Virginia Arts Festival will entertain thousands of people at venues in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Colonial Williamsburg; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Virginia Arts Festival hereby be commended on the occasion of its 20th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Robert W. Cross, Perry artistic director of the Virginia Arts Festival, as an expression of the House of Delegates’ congratulations and admiration for the festival’s outstanding contributions to the cultural life of Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth.