Newport News Approves $169K in Arts Funding
Allocations by City Council will support 30 local organizations through operating and project grants
At its August 12 meeting, Newport News City Council approved two resolutions related to arts funding. The first appropriated $4,500 from the Virginia Commission for the Arts Local Government Challenge Grant. The second authorized $165,000 in City funds—already included in the FY 2026 operating budget—for distribution as recommended by the Newport News Arts Commission.
Council voted 7-0 to approve the resolutions as part of a broader package of appropriations. No discussion was held specifically on the arts funding items before the vote.
The Arts Grant Program
Each year, the Newport News Arts Commission oversees a competitive application process for local performing and fine arts organizations. Applicants may request either general operating support or project-specific funding. For FY 2026, the Commission reviewed proposals submitted in May and recommended allocations totaling $169,500.
The approved grants include $100,925 for operating support across 15 organizations and $68,575 for project support across 15 organizations.
Operating Support Awards
Ferguson Center for the Arts – $18,000
Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center – $17,000
Newport News Public Art Foundation – $13,000
Virginia Symphony Orchestra – $7,225
Peninsula Community Theatre – $7,500
Tidewater Arts Outreach – $7,500
Young Audiences (Arts for Learning Virginia) – $9,500
Chesapeake Bay Wind Ensemble – $1,000
Hampton Roads Philharmonic – $2,500
Mildred McDaniel Concert Series – $2,500
Peninsula Concert Band – $500
Peninsula Youth Orchestra (Soundscapes) – $5,000
Port Warwick Foundation – $6,500
Virginia Choral Society – $1,200
Virginia Stage Company – $2,000
Project Support Awards
Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads – $10,000
Virginia Living Museum – $8,700
Ferguson Center for the Arts (Arts for All initiative) – $10,000
Tidewater African Cultural Alliance – $6,725
Access Virginia – $6,200
Rainbow Productions – $5,200
Newport News Education Foundation (All-City Music Festival) – $4,000
Virginia Arts Festival – $4,000
WHRO (Curate 757) – $3,500
Virginia Children’s Chorus – $3,000
Virginia Stage Company (school workshops and touring productions) – $2,000
Alternatives, Inc. (arts programming at Boys and Girls Club) – $2,000
Tidewater Winds Concert Band – $1,500
Hampton Roads Jazz, Inc. – $1,250
Natasha House (Creative Healing Arts Therapy) – $500
Next Steps
With the resolutions approved, the City Manager is authorized to execute agreements with each recipient organization, outlining conditions for the use of funds. The Newport News Arts Commission will continue oversight of the grant program and provide accountability for awarded funds.
The grants will support a range of activities in the coming year, from orchestral performances and community theater to arts education programs, cultural outreach, and public art installations.
A Newport News Daily contributor used AI tools and these sources: