Arts & Humanities Commission
The commission promotes excellence in the arts and humanities by initiating and supporting programs, activities and policies that inspire, nurture and reflect the cultural diversity of the area.
The Commission's work plan goals are realized through the initiatives of its committees. These committees focus on developing and promoting leadership within the arts, advocacy for arts organizations and creating and sustaining effective arts programs and services.
Commission Information
Community Cultural Arts Grants
This grant is designed to aid in building cultural equity in the arts in Virginia Beach by providing support for arts-based projects that reflect our changing communities through innovative, culturally rooted, and/or participatory projects with the goal of bringing the community together to celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity.
FY26 Community Cultural Arts Grant applications are now open. Round one application deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.
Organizational Development Grants
The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission’s Organizational Development Grant program supports non-profit arts and humanities organizations in their growth by improving visibility, organizational productivity, and proficiency while benefiting anyone at any level within an organization.
FY26 Organizational Development Grant applications are now open. Grant funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
Project Grants
The Commission provides financial assistance to organizations (in the form of project grants) for activities serving the residents of Virginia Beach. Applicants may apply for only one project grant in any grant period.
The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission typically meets on the first Thursday of every month except for these months:
- January
- March (due to grants presentations and deliberations later in the month)
- April
- August
- October
This meeting schedule is subject to change. Please email artsinfo@vbgov.com to confirm meeting dates, times and locations.
The Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission is comprised of 11 members appointed by City Council. Commission members serve two-year terms and are eligible for reappointment for four consecutive terms.
Name
Term Begins
Term Ends
Name
Cynthia C. Romero, MD, chair
Term Begins
July 1, 2023
Term Ends
June 30, 2027
Name
Olga L. Torres-Baker, vice chair
Term Begins
July 7, 2020
Term Ends
June 30, 2028
Name
Alicia “Sunny” Phillips Peoples, treasurer
Term Begins
Feb. 21, 2022
Term Ends
June 30, 2026
Name
Christopher J. Buhner
Term Begins
Sept. 3, 2024
Term Ends
July 31, 2029
Name
Michael Cloud-Butler
Term Begins
July 7, 2020
Term Ends
June 30, 2028
Name
Cortney M. Doucette
Term Begins
Dec. 10, 2024
Term Ends
June 30, 2026
Name
Susan C. Grube
Term Begins
July 1, 2022
Term Ends
June 30, 2026
Name
Mark A. Johnson
Term Begins
July 1, 2023
Term Ends
June 30, 2027
Name
Ashley K. McLeod
Term Begins
July 11, 2023
Term Ends
June 30, 2029
Name
Patricia A. Phillips
Term Begins
April 16, 2024
Term Ends
June 30, 2028
Name
Hunter J. Thomas
Term Begins
July 1, 2024
Term Ends
June 30, 2028
Name
Position
Phone Number
Annual Report
The Commission supports arts-based projects fostering community unity by celebrating cultural diversity through innovation and participation.
