The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) is pleased to announce the election of Barbara Bailey Parker of Collinsville as the new Chair of the Commission Board for the 2024–2025 term. The election took place during VCA’s June meeting at the General Assembly Building at the Capitol.
Parker brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for all arts disciplines to the Virginia Commission for the Arts. She served for 19 years as the Director of Programs for VCA-grantee Piedmont Arts, an accredited museum and arts center in Southside Virginia. Her commitment to arts advocacy is further demonstrated through her previous roles as a board member of the Virginia Presenters Network, the North Carolina Presenters Consortium, and as one of the founders of TheatreWorks Community Players in Martinsville, Virginia. In addition to her extensive professional and volunteer work in the arts community, Parker founded the For Alison Foundation in 2016. This nonprofit organization, created in memory of her daughter, journalist Alison Parker, is dedicated to providing arts opportunities for youth in southern Virginia.
“I am deeply honored to serve as Chair of the Virginia Commission for the Arts,” said Parker. “I look forward to working with fellow Commissioners, VCA staff, and VCA grantees to continue investing in and amplifying the vibrant and diverse arts communities of Virginia.”
In addition to Parker’s election, Frazier Millner Armstrong of Richmond has been elected as Vice Chair and Lou Flowers of Virginia Beach as Secretary. Vice Chair Armstrong brings board service, leadership, and a love of the arts since age 11 when auditioning for a lead role in one of her local community theatre groups. Secretary Flowers is actively engaged in her local art and culture scene, including volunteering with VCA grantees Chrysler Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art.
“The Virginia Commission for the Arts is incredibly fortunate to have the leadership service of these esteemed women” said the VCA’s Executive Director, Margaret Hancock. “My colleague and I are excited to see the continued positive impact the VCA makes across the state with Chair Parker, Vice Chair Armstrong, and Secretary Flowers leading the charge as our officers.”
ABOUT THE COMMISSION BOARD
The Board of the Virginia Commission for the Arts is comprised of nine Governor-appointed members from across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Commissioners contribute as innovative, high-caliber leaders; dedicated champions; and energetic ambassadors of the VCA and its work to elevate the arts for the benefit of all Virginians.
ABOUT VIRGINIA COMMISSION FOR THE ARTS
The Virginia Commission for the Arts, established in 1968, is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VCA fulfills its mission through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, distributing grant awards to Virginia artists; arts organizations; educational institutions; nonprofit organizations; educators; and local and tribal governments. Learn more at www.vca.virginia.gov.
Media Contact
Margaret Hancock, Executive Director
804.225.3132
margaret.hancock@vca.virginia.gov