Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts

The Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization incorporated in 2003 with a mission to establish and sustain an Arts Center in downtown Herndon through leadership, advocacy, fund raising, programming, policy setting and operation.  In 2008, the Foundation opened ArtSpace Herndon as an interim arts center to bring arts activities to downtown Herndon and establish a reputation for quality arts programming in anticipation of building a larger facility in the future. 

A 3,000 square foot facility, ArtSpace Herndon is home to outstanding monthly exhibits featuring artwork by local, national, and international fine artists of many genres, as well as quality performing and literary arts events. Visual arts programming includes two prominent competitions for local artists, the Portrait Competition in the fall and the Fine Art Photography Competition in the spring.  The organization also works with Herndon High School to produce a juried exhibition of works by art students in their senior year.  Master classes, workshops, and art classes by award winning artists are offered for adults, teens, and youth in two classroom spaces.  The Foundation has enriched the community with two new annual signature events: Paint Herndon, a day-long celebration of the arts, and the New Year’s Eve Celebration with hand-on-art activities, a community bonfire, and a late evening concert.  Over 15,000 patrons visited ArtSpace and participated in over 90 programs in fiscal year 2014. 

The Foundation actively advocates and works with the Town of Herndon, regional and local arts organizations, businesses, Fairfax County, and developers on the planning and creation of a permanent arts center in downtown Herndon, which will bring together the performing and visual arts.  The Foundation currently has 3 part-time staff members, 3 contractors, and numerous volunteers.  With an annual budget of over $150,000, the Foundation is supported by grants and donations from government, private foundations, businesses, and individuals.  The Foundation benefits from an active Board of Directors comprised of community members, business leaders, and arts professionals.