14th Annual “Arts for Life” Gala and Silent Auction Set for December 2

The Benjack Studio Theatre at TRDance Center in Downtown Norfolk will host the 14th Annual “Arts For Life” on Monday, December 2^nd at 7:00 p.m. to benefit programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS in Hampton Roads. A pre-show cocktail hour with auction items will take place from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Gershwins located at 332 Granby Street in downtown Norfolk.  

December 1 marks the annual observance of World AIDS Day—a day of remembrance, a day to raise awareness, a day to bring attention to the spread of HIV. Since 2006 leading arts organizations throughout Hampton Roads have joined forces to celebrate Arts For Life, an evening of dance, theater and song to benefit LGBT Life Center and the estimated 8,000 people living with HIV in Hampton Roads.

“It is our responsibility as artists, as individuals, to lend our talents and support to benefit those organizations helping to ease the struggle caused by this worldwide epidemic,” said Ricardo Melendez, Artistic Director for Virginia Ballet Theater and Artistic Producer of “Arts For Life.”  “I believe that charity begins at home. HIV/AIDS is affecting all sectors of our community, and rates continue to climb for our youth. So we have gathered local artists and offered our talents to benefit those locally affected.” said Melendez.     

From its inception, “Arts For Life” has brought together internationally recognized local artists like Narissa Bond, Julie Clark, Brian Nedvin, interpreter Mindy Brown and Hampton Roads leading arts organizations groups like Todd Rosenlieb Dance, Virginia Ballet Theater, Virginia Stage Company, Actor’s Workshop of Virginia and The Governor’s School for the Arts, amongst others, in a benefit concert that raises awareness and grants support to LGBT Life Center. Each year, local visual artists and businesses donate their work and services for a silent auction and raffle along with a reception sponsored by Gershwin’s on Granby Street. 

Tickets may be purchased prior to the show HERE. Additional information about the event is provided in the link below.