Admission to the VCCA is highly selective, based on a review of applications by panels of professional artists in each discipline. There are 11 panels (poets, fiction writers, nonfiction writers, playwrights, performance, film and video artists, painters, sculptors, photographers, installation artists, and composers), with a total of 48 panelists. These panelists undergo periodic review by the staff to ensure that selection to the VCCA is being made by the highest caliber artists in each discipline; panelists are also rotated regularly to ensure that particular styles or tastes are not continuously represented. The basis for admission by an application is professional achievement or promise of achievement.

How to apply
To apply, artists submit an application form, curriculum vitae and samples of their work. For a regular application form, please download one or call (434) 946-7236 or email vcca@vcca.com to request a copy. An artist who has applied to the VCCA before should submit a re-application. After downloading, please print the form, fill it out and mail it to us at the address on the bottom of the form. In order to read and print this file, you must have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®, which can be downloaded by clicking Adobe above.

When to apply
Applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year, but scheduling is conducted at only three designated times during the year. Deadlines are as follows:

January 15 deadline for residencies from June to September; notification is mailed by March 31.

May 15 deadline for residencies from October to January; notification is mailed by July 31.

September 15 deadline for residencies from February to May; notification is mailed by November 30.

Residency cost
Artists are accepted at the VCCA without consideration for their financial situation. The actual cost of a residency at the Virginia Center is $125 per day per Fellow. We ask Fellows to contribute according to their ability.

Pictured Above: VCCA Fellow, composer Daron Hagen.
Photo by Lucille Colin