About State of Arts ALX | October 15, 2025

The City of Alexandria's Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities - Office of Arts invited residents, artists, arts professionals, and community leaders to the very first State of Arts ALX event on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Boeing Auditorium, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus (3625 Potomac Ave).

“This curated forum celebrates Alexandria’s vibrant arts community by showcasing the work of the Office of the Arts and honoring the individuals and organizations that shape the city’s creative landscape,” said Diane Ruggerio, Deputy Director of Cultural Activities, RPCA. “This event is designed for artists and their art's missions to be seen." 

The program featured keynote speaker Jennifer Goold, Executive Director for the Neighborhood Design Center, an organization that supports the growth of healthy, equitable neighborhoods through community-engaged design and planning services. 

State of Arts ALX was free and open to the public. 

Poetry Reading - Cristi Donoso, Poet Laureate
City of Alexandria

Welcome - Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director
Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities / Office of the Arts

Recorded Remarks - Alyia Gaskins, Mayor
City of Alexandria

National Arts and Humanities Month Proclamation
Jim Parajon, City Manager, City of Alexandria

Keynote Presentation - Jennifer Goold Executive Director
Neighborhood Design Center

State of artsALX Presentation - Diane Ruggiero, Deputy Director
Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities / Office of the Arts

Remarks - David Baker, Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff
Virginia Tech Innovative Campus

Closing Remarks - Hashim Taylor, Director 
Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities