Article Text
Fairfax City is competing against communities across the country for recognition as one of the nation’s best small-town arts scenes.
A panel of independent editors selected Fairfax as one of 20 nominees in the Best Small Town Arts Scene category of USA Today’s 10Best awards. Abingdon in Southwest Virginia is the only other Virginia community nominated.
Public voting is open through noon Monday, Feb. 16.
ArtsFairfax, the county arts agency that also promotes cultural programs in Fairfax and Falls Church, is urging residents to support Fairfax in the poll.
ArtsFairfax President and CEO Stuart Holt said the nomination recognizes the hundreds of local artists and organizations that contribute their talent and time throughout the year. He said the honor also highlights how cultural events and investment in public art can strengthen a community’s identity and sense of place.
Fairfax offers programs ranging from Funday Monday family activities and the Old Town Hall Performance Series to ARTScreen film nights and a Mini Art Vending Machine.
The city also hosts larger celebrations, including Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts, the Asian Festival on Main and the City of Fairfax Fall Festival, which features hundreds of arts and crafts vendors.
Fairfax’s nomination emphasizes the city’s mix of galleries, public art and community-led programming, as well as the cultural support that helps make performances and visual art accessible to residents and visitors.