ABOUT US
Our Name:
ViBe stands for Virginia Beach: Vi=Virginia & Be= Beach
ViBe’s name came from our founding member of the Friends of the Creative District, the legendary Charles Powell. The lightning bolt symbolizes the spark of creativity and energy found here and was inspired by sculpture from the late Virginia Beach artist Larry Mednic located at Runnymede Corporation. The logo was designed by resident ViBe artist Igors Custom.
Our Mission
To promote, support, connect, and inspire the arts and creative industries to boost our local economy, grow jobs, and enhance our quality of life.
Our Vision
To create and revive economic vibrancy in our neighborhood with a remarkable local vibe.
Our History
ViBe History Timeline
In 2008, the Old Beach Farmers’ Market was established by volunteers to create a resort area farmers’ market selling healthy, local food to residents and visitors; promote family farms, watermen, and wineries; connect local sources to chefs, restaurateurs, and the public; and to revive an old-fashioned kind of shopping near…Read More
In 2009, the Commonwealth of Virginia voted on legislation for arts districts.
Old Beach Art & Eco Market has been a part of the Old Beach Saturday routine since 2010. Beginning as Old Beach Art Market and Old Beach Green Market, OBA&EM operates in tandem with Old Beach Farmers’ Market. This eclectic collection of artists and eco businesses offers their wares Saturdays…Read More
In 2011, Andrew Fine, president of The Runnymede Corporation, and Laura Wood Habr, co-owner of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, began collaborating on their vision to reinvigorate this once historic and now elapsed area. They began to organize with city staff and council members, local artists, and businesses. Both having businesses…Read More
On April 21, 2015, the City of Virginia Beach established the boundary of the District by ordinance and declared it “an arts and cultural district and technology zone” with incentives established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2009. The ViBe Creative District’s purpose is to serve as a vibrant center…Read More
The ViBe District Virginia Beach became an official 501(c)(3) in November 2015, recognized by the IRS as a non-profit with the ability to accept tax-deductible contributions.
On June 13, 2016, the Friends of the Creative District (FCD) became an affiliate organization with a purpose to support the efforts of the District businesses and non-profit efforts. Created by creative business owner, Charles Powell, the Friends of the Creative District business association supports the mission of the nonprofit.…Read More
The ViBe Mural Festival was created in 2018 as a call to action for the community where 10 private businesses donated wall space to host 10 new artworks. The annual event was promoted as: “10 Artists, 10 Murals, 10 Days” and was hosted in the May shoulder season prior to…Read More
Much to the surprise of local and national followers of ViBe, the district was included in a Jeopardy clue on September 10, 2018 as a key identifier for the City of Virginia Beach. The category was “Vacation Destinations that Start with V,” contestant Becky selected the $1600 clue which started:…Read More
GO BEYOND THE BOARDWALK. CREATE THE VIBE.
Our Goals
To establish a Creative Industries District in the City of Virginia Beach which will serve as a vibrant center for the arts, culture, technology, and is environmentally friendly.
To enhance a sense of discovery for visitors and residents by revitalizing the area and making this uniquely ours.
To encourage the arts and artists as well as technical and creative resources to help them flourish and cross-pollinate.
To support and expand the industry and creativity of those who live and work in the District.
To stimulate commerce and enhance the quality of life for citizens of Virginia Beach and the District.
To foster rising real estate values by helping the district become a place where people want to be.
To assist in creating resources to help artists and artisans become established within the District.
andrew fine
The Runnymede Corporation
laura WOOD
Executive
JEFF MCWATERS
Ride the ROX
martha mcClees
Virginia Beach Vision
jody wagner
Jody’s Popcorn
don frederick
The Runnymede Corporation
KIm shuler
TowneBank
dr. amelia ross-hammond
Retired Professor
robin brickell
Fiber Artist
anne wright
Writer
charles powell
Details Interiors
walker phillips
Palladium Registered Investment Advisors
derrick borte
Film Director
greg zittrain
Jones Zittrain Wealth Management Group
NatE FINE
The Runnymede Corporation
lawrence steingold
Woodway Management, LLC
cole werkheiser
Pembroke Real Estate, Hampton Roads Pride
lg shaw
Wave Riding Vehicles
jeremy maloney
Altruistic Design
gary ryan
Virginia museum of contemporary art
dee oliver
Author
LISA DENOIA
1701, fathom coffee, port & starboard
NADINE PANICCIA
VSA Resorts
BILL GAMBRELL
Tautogs
AARON PHIPPS
LAWSON COMPANIES
BRIAN JONES
PROPERTY OWNER
robb overholt
artist & author
nadine paniccia
executive
lisa denoia
Past president
1701, Fathom Coffee, and Port & Starboard
LG Shaw
president
Wave Riding Vehicles
lg shaw
vice president
Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV)
Mia Guile
treasurer
Artist
kate pittman
secretary
Executive Director