Bower Center for the Arts is grateful to recognize several valued funding partners whose investment in the arts is helping strengthen creative opportunities, educational programs, and community engagement throughout Bedford and the Central Virginia region.

The Easley Charitable Trust is continuing support of Bower Center through a grant that is helping to improve and expand the Center's educational spaces. Funding is supporting critical upgrades including enhanced accessibility, classroom expansion, improved storage and infrastructure, and the creation of more flexible learning environments that can accommodate growing demand for arts classes, workshops, camps, and community programs. This investment helps ensure that Bower Center's historic facility remains a welcoming and inspiring place for lifelong learning. 

The Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation has provided support for the launch of Bower After School Studio, a new arts education initiative serving youth ages 6 to 17. The program will offer accessible, arts-based learning through biweekly visual and performing arts experiences designed to foster creativity, confidence, and connection. By providing a safe and affordable after-school option, the program addresses gaps in arts education while supporting the social, emotional, and academic development of local youth. 

Bower Center also extends sincere appreciation to the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) for its continued investment through its General Operating Support Grant. Operating support from VCA helps sustain the day-to-day work that makes Bower Center's mission possible, including exhibitions, performances, classes, outreach programs, and community events that make the arts accessible to all.

In addition, Bower Center is honored to benefit from the Virginia Commission for the Arts Creative Communities Partnership Grant, awarded in collaboration with the Town of Bedford. Through this partnership, the Town of Bedford and VCA jointly invest in arts programming that enriches community life, expands access to arts education, strengthens downtown vitality, and supports the region's creative economy. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that arts and culture remain an essential part of Bedford's identity and future.  

"Support from these foundations and public funding partners allows us to continue creating meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to experience, learn, and connect through the arts," said Susan Martin, Director of Development & Marketing. "We are deeply thankful for their confidence in our mission and their commitment to enriching the lives of our community members."