Pro-Art

Mission:
Pro-Art Association is dedicated to promoting the performing and visual arts and expanding accessibility to cultural experiences in Southwest Virginia. Established in 1976 and attaining nonprofit status in 1980, the organization has become a regional fixture for bringing professional performing arts to Wise County and surrounding areas.

Services and Programs:

• Performing Arts Events: Pro-Art presents approximately 35 programs annually, including theater, music, and visual arts performances. These events feature artists from around the world and are designed to expose local communities to diverse cultural arts.
• School Programs: The organization provides 15-20 in-school programs each year, serving over 5,000 children across Wise, Lee, and Dickenson counties and the City of Norton. Children and students are always admitted free to every public Pro-Art performance.
• Educational Initiatives: Pro-Art offers master classes, workshops, and lectures related to performing and visual arts, supporting both entertainment and educational enrichment.
• WiseJAMs Program: As the local sponsor for Junior Appalachian Musicians, Pro-Art runs WiseJAMs, which gives 3rd–8th grade students the opportunity to learn, play, sing, and dance to Old-Time Appalachian music, fostering both musical skills and cultural heritage appreciation.
• Community Partnerships: The organization collaborates with local schools, colleges, and community groups to provide arts programming and support regional cultural events, such as the Celtic Festival and Home Craft Days.
• Venue Support: Pro-Art contributes to the success of local venues, including the renovated Lee Theatre in Pennington Gap, as part of broader community improvement efforts.

Who They Serve:

• Residents of Wise, Lee, and Dickenson counties, and the City of Norton, with a focus on children and students in local schools.
• The broader Southwest Virginia region, with programs accessible to community members of all ages.

Eligibility:

• School programs are provided to students in participating counties and the City of Norton.
• All children and students are admitted free to public performances; general public access may vary by event.

Service Area:

• Wise County, Lee County, Dickenson County, City of Norton, and surrounding Southwest Virginia communities.

Additional Information:

Pro-Art Association is supported by partnerships with educational institutions, local governments, and arts foundations. The organization is committed to fiscal responsibility and sustainability, ensuring continued access to high-quality arts programming for the region.