Barter Theatre Receives 50 For 50 Arts Inspiration Award

Barter Theatre was officially recognized for the "50 for 50 Arts Inspiration Award" from The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA), the state arts agency, Wednesday, January 31. Barter was chosen for this prestigious award out of a pool of over 350 nominees.

The "50 for 50 Arts Inspiration Awards" were conceived and designed by the Commission as a 50th anniversary tribute to 50 examples of programs, individuals, and organizations critical to the arts in Virginia. The designated "Arts Inspirations" may have played a critical role in the last 50 years, serve as today's leaders and exemplars, or may be tomorrow's visionaries, leading the way to a culturally vibrant future.

The Commission was established by law in 1968 to promote awareness of and access to the arts across the state and to support a broad range of artists, arts organizations, and arts educators. Following a statewide call for nominations, nominees for the awards in all categories were accepted for two months this spring. A panel comprised of former commissioners and arts leaders reviewed the nominations this past summer and recommended a slate to the full Board, which adopted the final roster this fall. To ensure impartiality, no former commissioners and no state-elected officials were selected for the roster.

Barter received the award in the category of Bedrock Institutions, which entails a that the winner has been in existence for more than ten years, demonstrates a benefit to the economic health and tourism in the community, exhibits artistic excellence, celebrates diversity, and showcases Virginia as a cultural destination.

About Barter Theatre

Barter Theatre, the nation's longest running professional theatre, is located in Abingdon, Virginia. The theatre opened in 1933 during the Great Depression. Founder Robert Porterfield offered patrons admission to the theatre by bartering food and livestock. Barter Theatre was designated as the state theatre of Virginia in 1946. It exists today as one of the last year-round professional resident repertory theaters remaining in the United States. Barter Theatre is funded in part by The Virginia Commission for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

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