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 More

2009

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 More

2011

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 More

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.”

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

2015

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 More

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 More

2018

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 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.

Statement of Cultural Equity

The ViBe Creative District believes in equal access to opportunities that reflect our Virginia Beach community. ViBe highlights diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion as a key focus of its goals and programming. We acknowledge that equity requires deliberately applying time, resources and consideration to achieve this initiative. Social practice engages the creative sector with the community in creating and developing collaborative change.