The Bridge Is Moving
Letter from the Director

Dear Bridge Community,                                                                                        

With my coming into this position there has been a lot of conversation about change. A lot of that centering on what does The Bridge do? How does it serve the public? If you’ve spoken with me, I have probably implored a “Bridge” pun before, I can’t help it, but it is done in an honest spirit. What is a bridge? Is it finding a gap and filling it? Is it the networks we create and travel across? Is it offering ease and comfort to weary travelers? These are the questions we are asking ourselves as we take a deep look at how we function as an institution and serve the needs of creatives, people who desire to make something, and the public. 

To begin this process of reimagining our organization, we are taking steps to ensure we have created well considered and sustainable systems of support for creatives who respond to, transform, and invigorate Charlottesville. That my friends is no short order. However we have some starting points of action we would like to share with you:

On Oct 31st, 2022 The Bridge will be closing our 209 Monticello Road Gallery, which has been home to The Bridge since it was founded in 2006 by Zack Worell and Greg Antrim Kelly. From these early days to the present, The Bridge has aimed to be a place of support and inclusivity just as much as a place for exploration, discovery, and play. We will always have fond memories of what this space offered in leading the organization to the present but we see a bright future that requires us to adapt to new needs and concerns. This means reconsidering where our home is.

With the need to dedicate our resources to establishing a new home with improved services, we are canceling our current open call for programming initiatives. We will continue to support our current programs and partnerships as normal outside of usage of the gallery during this process, and we will pause in taking on new initiatives until we reopen in our new home in spring 2023. We are sad to do this, but we are resolved in our commitment to improving our ability to serve the Charlottesville creative community. 

At the forefront of our move is the creation of low-cost studios. We plan to offer these studios at affordable daily and monthly rates. In addition to space, we intend to expand our developmental opportunities such as educational workshops, funded residencies, entrepreneurial incubators, and apprenticeships.

In the coming months we will announce more information about our new location. We will continue conversations with individual community members and organizational stakeholders to help us identify additional needs we can fill in our new space. We hope you will lend your voice to this conversation when the time comes.

We are thankful for your continued support and look forward to this exciting future together,

Jay Simple
 

Around Town

All Proceeds benefit The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative. Dress yourself or someone you love in style knowing that your purchase supports accessible art for everyone. All merch is Printed locally by our good friends at lostwoodsprint.

PRO TIP: Members receive 40% off all purchases plus other great perks!