RD58 - Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation Annual Report for 2014


Executive Summary:
Section 2.2-2736 of the Code of Virginia requires the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation to submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly. Each year, the Foundation must submit the report for publication according to the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems and posting on the General Assembly's website.

The legislature created the Foundation as a body politic and corporate to serve as the state’s catalyst for regional economic development. It draws upon and enhances the impact of resources available through a variety of state and regional governmental and private organizations. The Foundation continues to advance its purposes by working with existing ventures such as The Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail, ‘Round the Mountain Artisan Network and the Appalachian Spring outdoor recreation initiative in collaborative efforts that reflect the region’s rich and distinctive cultural heritage. From its prominent location in Abingdon adjacent Exit 14 on Interstate 81, the Heartwood Artisan Gateway has become the focal point for the Foundation’s efforts to draw state, regional and national attention to the music, culture and artisanal products of Southwest Virginia.

The annual report for 2014 reviews the Foundation’s work and accomplishments during the past year. It addresses operations and marketing, the promotion of regionally based products, music and music education, artisan outreach and a variety of community development initiatives intended to bring job and entrepreneurial opportunities to the region. The report notes the role of the Foundation’s affiliated 501 (c)(3) entity, Friends of Southwest Virginia, in managing revenues, gifts and grants to Heartwood and distributing financial support to a variety of cultural heritage organizations, such as The Crooked Road and ‘Round the Mountain. Finally, the report documents the important role that individual local governments within the region play through their financial support for initiatives that benefit the region as a whole.