THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN SEVAA.
The strength of SEVAA is its dynamic membership. Membership is not limited to practicing artists. If you are interested in a vital and energetic community experience, we welcome you.
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Southeastern Virginia Arts Association Scholarship Foundation
The Southeastern Virginia Arts Association Scholarship Foundation is an exciting new project that has grown out of twenty years of service to the Hampton Roads artistic community. SEVAA’s mission is to provide opportunities for the further development of local artists.
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 It all started in November of 1982 at the Black Art Forum sponsored by Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University. Dr. Glenn Ray and many forum attendees expressed concern that only a handful of black organizations were represented in the Greater Hampton Roads Cultural Action Plan, and that these organizations received the least funding. The purpose of the forum was to respond to these concerns.
The Southeastern Virginia Arts Association (SEVAA) was organized to address Dr. Ray’s concerns. SEVAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of African-Americans in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region. The organization focuses on five disciplines: visual arts, dance, music, literary arts and theater. SEVAA sponsors activities that promote and assist artists and cultural organizations; encourages increased participation in the arts by African-American artists and arts organizations; serves as a channel of communication for its membership, and works to generate increased support for the arts.
One of SEVAA’s first activities took place on April 9, 1983. SEVAA confirmed its dedication to promoting black art and culture as a co-sponsor of a reception for Norfolk, Virginia native Charles Holland at Chrysler Hall as part of his triumphant homecoming appearance with the Virginia Philharmonic Orchestra. SEVAA has since co-sponsored a variety of events in Hampton Roads, including the Boys Choir of Harlem, Norfolk State University Music Department Gala Concerts, Hampton University Music Department, the nationally renowned Gambian National Dance Troupe, art exhibits, symposia, and other community projects. Recently SEVAA has presented an acclaimed visual arts exhibit as part of the Virginia Arts Festival.
SEVAA’s larges annual projects are Afr’Am FEST, an African-American cultural festival held annually at Town Point Park in Norfolk, Virginia during Memorial Day weekend, and the Summer Arts Workshop for children and youth, which offers instruction in the performing arts.
Over the years, SEVAA has made numerous presentations to acknowledge visiting Virginia Opera Association performers Joy Simpson, Esther Hinds, and Paul Spencer Adams. SEVAA also honored Leon Bates, a guest pianist with the Virginia Symphony. During its brief history, SEVAA has enriched the lives of thousands of people through its commitment to offering rewarding artistic experiences to Southeastern Virginia and the larger community.
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