ABOUT US
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
2008
Old Beach Farmers’ Market was established.
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 More2009
The Commonwealth of Virginia voted on legislation for arts districts.
In 2009, the Commonwealth of Virginia voted on legislation for arts districts.2010
Old Beach Art & Eco Market was established.
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 More2011
Andrew Fine and Laura Wood Habr began collaborating on their vision to reinvigorate this once historic and now elapsed area.
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 More2015
The City of Virginia Beach established the boundary of the District by ordinance and declared it “an arts and cultural district and technology zone.”
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 More2015
The ViBe District Virginia Beach became an official 501(c)(3).
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.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.
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 More2017
ViBe’s co-Founder Andrew Fine is named Philanthropist of the Year
2017
ViBe Creative District pilots Small Business Matching Grant program with the City of Virginia Beach
2018
Mayor of Virginia Beach issues Proclamation honors ViBe’s role in the Season for Nonviolence
2018
ViBe’s co-Founder Laura Wood Habr is named First Citizen of Virginia Beach
2018
Friends of the Creative District board member Lisa DeNoia recognized as the Hampton Roads Champber’s Entrepreneur of the Year
2018
Hampton Roads Pride partners with the ViBe Creative District on Virginia Beach’s first Rainbow Crosswalk
2018
The ViBe Mural Festival: 10 Artists, 10 Murals, 10 Days was created.
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 More2018
The ViBe Creative District was featured as a clue on Jeopardy.
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 More2019
Something in the Water Partnership lands Rolling Stone Magazine Article
2019
ViBe Creative District receives VB School Partnership Award
2019
VIBe Creative District receives VB Human Rights Award
2019
ViBe’s co-Founder Laura Wood Habr makes Inside Business’ Power List
2019
ViBe’s Executive Director Kate Pittman is named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by Inside Business Magazine
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 habr
Croc’s 19th Street Bistro
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