Mission and History

To sustain the thriving presence of the arts in the Charlottesville area, Piedmont Council for the Arts provides support services to artists, arts organizations, and their audiences. PCA encourages community-wide access to and appreciation for the arts.

Our goals are:

  • To promote and assist artists and arts organizations at all stages of development
  • To inform residents and visitors about area cultural events and opportunities
  • To stimulate collaboration and resource-sharing across the cultural sector
  • To expand arts learning opportunities for a diverse array of community members
  • To demonstrate that the arts enhance quality of life and economic prosperity
  • To support community-wide access to and participation in the arts
  • To be an advocate for the arts at local, state, and national levels

Why PCA is Unique:

  • We are the only organization that offers free and unbiased promotional services to all artists and arts organizations.
  • Our website provides the most comprehensive arts-related information in our area, and our biweekly e-newsletter receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from recipients.
  • We work to showcase our community as an arts destination, which strengthens the local economy, attracts young professionals, and strengthens the case for arts support.
  • Our programs bring people together to discuss the arts in our community, encouraging collaboration and shared resources within the cultural sector.
  • We work with community leaders and area partners to identify solutions to common challenges and create new opportunities for artistic excellence in our area.
  • By working to support our entire cultural sector, PCA plays a unique and important role in the Charlottesville area.

PCA is the designated arts agency of Charlottesville and Albemarle, with outreach to Fluvanna, Greene, Nelson, Louisa, Staunton, and Waynesboro. Established in 1979, PCA now reaches over 150,000 people annually through programs and services, community partnerships, and collaborative projects.

PCA offers programs and services for artists and arts organizations, educators, and young people. We serve the community at large by coordinating arts-related initiatives with area partners.

To learn about PCA’s accomplishments in the most recently completed fiscal year, download the 2011-2012 Annual Report. The 2010-2011 Annual Report, 2009-2010 Annual Report and the 2008-2009 Annual Report are also available.

In the News

Check out PCA’s recent news coverage.

Browse PCA in the News

Click here to download various formats of the official PCA logo.