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Cultural Activities

Cultural Activities promotes the value of arts and culture in Alexandria by nurturing, investing in and celebrating the creative contributions of artists and arts organizations. Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to the arts, Cultural Activities works with local artists and arts organizations to build a vibrant community for all of the City's residents, workers, and visitors.
Page updated on January 21, 2026 at 3:10 PM

Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities

  • Overview
    • General Information
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    • Mission, Vision & Values
    • Leadership Team
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  • Parks
    • Park Planning & Capital Projects
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    • Recreation Centers
    • Marina
    • Nature Center
    • Facility & Park Rentals
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    • Community Events
  • Cultural Activities
  • News Releases
  • Commissions

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Cultural Activities News

Efflorescence Mural Image

Community Beautification Award Winner

In October 2025, the Torpedo Factory Art Center Loading Door Mural entitled Efflorescence by artist Silas Baker was awarded a Community Beautification Award by the Alexandria Beautification Commission.

State of ARTS ALX October 2025

State of Arts ALX

Celebrating Alexandria’s vibrant arts community showcasing the work of the Office of the Arts along with the individuals and organizations that shape the city’s creative landscape. 

Cultural Activities in Action

Site See

Public Art

Public Art in Alexandria seeks to provide for future artistic endeavors and the promotion of Alexandria's cultural heritage, strengthen community pride, and foster tourism. 

ALX Jazz Fest

Special Events & Permitting

Activating public spaces throughout Alexandria. Pop-ups, Mobile Art Lab, dance parties, collaborations with local artists. 

Woman writing

Literary Programs

From writing workshops to spoken-word performances, Alexandria celebrates the art of creative writing and active community listening. 

Art and Innovation

Art & Innovation Initiative

Working at the intersection of art and technology, the initiative explores art with science, technology, engineering, and math, developing new ways of thinking about creativity and life.

White mobile art lab van with the MAL and the COA logos on the side on a colorful background

Mobile Art Lab

The Mobile Art Lab brings arts and culture to all communities in Alexandria, providing indoor/outdoor, free-to-attend events and activities that are open to the public within the Alexandria city limits. 

Torpedo Factory Waterfront Side

Torpedo Factory Art Center

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to the nation’s largest collection of working-artists’ open studios under one roof. An Alexandria landmark for nearly 50 years, it’s the highlight of the Potomac Riverfront, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually.

A woman draws with chalk on the road

Office of the Arts

The Office of the Arts is Alexandria’s local arts agency that represents, promotes, and protects artists and their work, while providing opportunities to connect them with the community to enrich the lives of Alexandria residents.

Opportunities & Resources

Call for Artists

Artists, performers, makers, and creators can find opportunities to share their talents with the people of Alexandria.

Professional Development

The Office of the Arts offers Professional Development opportunities for artists and arts organizations. Learn more about upcoming virtual workshops or find resources to manage the business side of creating. 

Grants

Arts grants encourage artistic excellence by assisting artists and organizations in providing opportunities for Alexandria's residents and visitors to engage and experience quality arts programs throughout the city.

Get Involved

Discover how you can get involved the City of Alexandria's Cultural Activities!

Enjoy one of our events or programs

View the calendar of upcoming events

Become a participating artist or vendor at a City event

Submit an interest form here

Experience an art exhibition at the Target Gallery

More Info

Apply for one of our open calls for artists

View open calls here

Check out one of our professional development opportunities

View the upcoming workshops

Discover public art near you

Find public art

Volunteer to serve on a public art task force

Help bring art to Alexandria neighborhoods

Apply for a special event permit to host your own event at a city park

More info

Request the Mobile Art Lab

Find out how to apply here

Host your private event at the Torpedo Factory Art Center

More info

Arts Policy & Advocacy

10 Year Arts & Culture Plan

Alexandria's Arts & Culture Master Plan sets goals and strategies that outline the role of the Office of the Arts in supporting, producing, defining, and sustaining arts and culture initiatives throughout Alexandria.

Arts & Economic Prosperity 6

Americans for the Arts' regional report on how the arts and culture enhance the quality of life for Alexandria's residents and visitors as a vital element in building and sustaining unique and diverse communities.

Commission for the Arts

The Commission for the Arts provides leadership in developing a vibrant and sustainable arts community that engages audiences. It also encourages support and appreciation for the arts as a cornerstone of Alexandria's identity and cultural, social, and economic vitality.

The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the each month at 7 p.m., at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA 22314) unless otherwise posted on the City Calendar. All meetings are open to the public.  

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Follow @AlexArtsOffice on Instagram. Add to the conversation with #artsALX. 

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Alexandria, VA 22314

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