Our Story: Hampton Arts
It was December 1987 that the Hampton City Council established the Hampton Commission on the Arts. Appointed by the Council, this 13-member citizens board acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council to promote further development and awareness of artistic and cultural programs in the City and to provide a coordinated method of City support of cultural organizations and programs. This body worked closely with the City to create a City department known as the Hampton Arts Commission.
Since its creation, the Hampton Arts Commission has grown and evolved into a unique public/private partnership complete with its own non-profit "arm" - the Hampton Arts Foundation. The Hampton Arts Commission (now popularly known as Hampton Arts) is a much respected and praised institution which has been responsible for a remarkable renaissance of the arts not only within the City of Hampton but within the entire Hampton Roads region.
Below is a timeline of significant events in our story:
1987
Hampton Commission on the Arts was created by Hampton City Council.
1988
The City hired its first Director, Michael Curry, to head up Hampton Arts Commission, a City department.
1989
Hampton Commission on the Arts and the City renovated and re-opened the historic Charles H. Taylor Memorial Library, renaming it The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center.
1989-90
Hampton Arts officially inaugurated its Great Performers Series, offering world class artists such as Marcel Marceau during its first season in Hampton University’s Ogden Hall.
1994
The Hampton Arts Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, was established to raise funds to support Hampton Arts.
1995
The Hampton Arts Foundation, in association with the City of Hampton, commissioned an indepth study of the performing arts in Hampton Roads. This study was created by the world renowned firm, Theatre Projects Consultants, and it basically made 4 recommendations - all of which have subsequently been instituted. These were: create a large outdoor arena within the region (the Virginia Beach amphitheatre); assist Hampton University in the renovation and preservation of Ogden Hall; build a 400-600 seat theatre in Hampton and work together with other municipalities in the creation of a brand new performing arts center (the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University).
1997
The Hampton Arts Foundation acquired the historic American Theatre in Phoebus. Originally built in 1908, the Theatre had fallen into decline and was abandoned after serving as The American, the Lee, the Lee Adult and the New American Theatre.
1998
The Board of Directors of the Hampton Arts Foundation, under the leadership of Jay Joseph, undertook a $2.9 million campaign to restore and renovate The American Theatre.
2000
After two years of planning and construction and a successful capital campaign, The American Theatre re-opened June 7. The Theatre now hosts an impressive array of world class performers and attractions - presenting more than 50 shows per year for audiences from throughout the entire region.
2006
The Hampton Arts Foundation acquired the building adjoining The American Theatre (the former Mugler’s Clothing Store).
The American Theatre celebrated the 100th birthday of patron and benefactor, Mrs. Billie D. Gordon, with a gala which culminated with Mrs. Gordon dancing on the stage.
Under the leadership of The Honorable Ross Mugler, the Hampton Arts Foundation kicked off a $4 million campaign to demolish the Mugler Building, acquire some much-needed parking spaces and to build a state of the art studio at the Theatre. In addition, the campaign included funds for much needed upgrades to the Theatre itself as well as the addition of new dressing rooms and green room backstage.
2010
The Gordon-Kearney Wing of The American Theatre officially opened and is named in honor of Mrs. Billie D. Gordon.
2012-13
Hampton Arts celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
The City merged the operation of the Hampton Arts Commission with Hampton Coliseum to form a department known as Hampton Coliseum/Hampton Arts Commission. It continues to work closely with the Hampton Commission on the Arts and the Hampton Arts Foundation to advance arts in the region.
2017
Hampton Arts celebrated its 30th anniversary with special events and new building updates.
2018
The Charles H. Taylor Arts Center was renamed as The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center to more accurately reflect the visual arts component of Hampton Arts.
The City of Hampton migrated the Hampton Performing and Creative Arts Center under the Hampton Arts Education division.