Why Support the Academy of Fine Arts?

With the help of my gift, I can encourage:

• An improved quality of education in our region. Studies confirm that students who grow up with arts education are more successful both socially and professionally.
• Increased opportunities to grow up with the arts for students in Central Virginia.
• More people to reside in Central Virginia. Quality of life improves with the arts.
• More businesses to call Central Virginia home due the increased diversity of cultural opportunities provided by the Academy.
• Professionals to consider relocation to Central Virginia when recruited by Lynchburg businesses due to the area’s cultural opportunities.
• Students and community members to remain in the area for entertainment instead of traveling elsewhere.

As a part of the transformation of the city of Lynchburg, the new Academy of Fine Arts will help to attract world-class entertainment and therefore...

• Increase foot traffic during evenings and weekends when it is most needed.
• Stimulate increased demand for retail shops and restaurants.
• Provide a dramatic anchor and a great first impression to Lynchburg’s historic downtown.
• Prove that Lynchburg is an exciting city whose residents care about and believe in its future.

The arts improve quality of life and help to keep Lynchburg competitive.

• Cultural opportunities are critical in the expansion and relocation of businesses, which directly affects the city’s ability to recruit new businesses.
• An active arts scene helps to make existing businesses more effective in recruiting and retaining professionals.
• Students and others will choose to stay in town for entertainment, thus generating more local income.
• The arts are critical in improving the quality of education. Students in Central Virginia will have an opportunity to grow up with the arts.

The Bottom Line The economic impact of this project will be felt by every sector of the city. For every dollar spent on a theatre ticket, a patron is estimated to spend $3.10 in collateral goods and services. That means that for every $25 ticket, a patron will make purchases of parking, meals, and lodging of more than $75! A performance that draws 950 theatregoers means a potential economic impact of $71,250!