Artist Rebecca Kamen with students from Herndon High School during Divining Nature: An Elemental Garden 2009. Greater Reston Art Center

With the passage of the Visual and Performing Arts Amendment to the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan in May 2010, the Arts Council began planning for the Master Arts Plan (MAP). The Board of Supervisors tasked the Arts Council of Fairfax County, as the official arts agency for the county, with the collaborative leadership of the Master Arts Plan. A preliminary Task Force of Arts Council Board members, community representatives, and government officials have begun to discuss the next steps including resources and mapping, funding strategies, formation of a countywide network of advisors, and a timeline for activity.

The Task Force has recommended a decentralized approach with input from all nine Magisterial Districts, arts disciplines, non-profit and for profit organizations, businesses, and other entities that support arts and culture in Fairfax County. We recognize the need for community engagement and will be expanding the Task Force within the next year.

It will take time to properly survey the community and develop an innovative and comprehensive approach. Given the size and exponential growth of Fairfax County, we expect that this process will extend well into the future.

In the meantime, the information provided on this webpage provides a glimpse into the exciting future for the arts in Fairfax County.

The Filene Center at Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Drum performance by Dancin’ Unlimited Jazz Dance Company; Photo Credit: Linda Helms Photography

MISSION

The goal of MAP is to plan and encourage cultural facilities and public art throughout Fairfax County that respond to rapid growth and changing demographics, strengthen the economy, and expand residents’ access to arts and culture.

Vision

MAP is a roadmap that promotes the intersections between Creativity, the Arts, Community, Economic Development, and Cultural Diversity in Fairfax County.

Strategy

Assess the needs of multidisciplinary arts organizations and artists, the community, government, and businesses in all nine Magisterial Districts to develop and implement a plan for the future of the arts in Fairfax County.