2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 22
Commending the Academy Center of the Arts.
Agreed to by the Senate, January 29, 2026
WHEREAS, the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg is celebrating the 120th anniversary of the historic Academy of Music Theatre, a treasured cultural landmark that first opened its doors on Main Street in 1905; and
WHEREAS, the Academy Center of the Arts stands today as one of Central Virginia's premier arts institutions, shaped and strengthened over many generations through the steadfast support of corporate partners, local businesses, and community members who have invested in its mission and growth; and
WHEREAS, the Academy Center of the Arts provides year-round educational opportunities in visual arts, ceramics, and performing arts, offering eight Academy Youth Theatre productions annually as well as specialized workshops ranging from voice acting to stage combat; and
WHEREAS, the pottery studio at the Academy Center of the Arts recently expanded to provide additional storage to support increased demand; the studio now serves 175 students per week and complements the work of other local partners, including the pottery programs offered by the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Department; and
WHEREAS, the Academy Center of the Arts enriches the region through 37 annual rotating exhibits across six venues, monthly First Friday events, and its Artistica shop, which provides local artists with a place to display and sell their work; and
WHEREAS, the Academy Center of the Arts fosters inclusion and creativity through programs such as the Young Storytellers initiative, launched to support students who face communication challenges, and Opening Minds through Art, which serves individuals living with dementia; and