On January 19, 1966 the Virgin Islands Legislature adopted Bill No. 2699 establishing a Council on the Arts, under the Department of Education. At that time the legislature recognized that Virgin Islanders lacked “the opportunity to view, enjoy or participate in living theatrical performances, musical concerts, operas, dance and ballet recitals, art exhibits, examples’ of architecture and the performing and fine arts generally”. They further recognized that practicing and enjoying the arts is essential to enriching the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands. By establishing the arts council, the Virgin Islands took its first steps, in making the arts accessible and a significant part of the Virgin Islands culture.
Stephen J. Bostic, a St. Croix musician was the first director of VICA. As a well traveled musician, Mr. Bostic, understood the value that a council for the arts can have on a community. He paved the way for Mr. John Jowers, who in 1985 became the organizations 2nd director after serving as associate director since 1969. After a sixteen year tenure, Mr. Jowers retired in 2001. “It was an opportunity to work in an agency that I knew would have a tremendous, positive impact on the Virgin Islands.” states Mr. Jowers. Under Jower’s leadership VICA provided numerous opportunities for Virgin Islands artists and arts organizations to exhibit and perform in the Virgin Islands and abroad. His enthusiasm and accomplishments are duly noted in ARTfusions’ 3rd edition.
Forty two years later, the “Virgin Islands Council for the Arts” continues to enable the development of artistic and cultural opportunities for our community. Today, VICA is a division of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Its current director Ms. Betty Mahoney and her small staff work with a very minimal budget. They strive daily to meet the organizations mission: "To enrich the cultural life of the Virgin Islands through leadership that preserves, supports, strengthens, and makes accessible, excellence in the arts to all Virgin Islanders".
Additionally Ms. Mahoney collaborates closely with board members appointed by the Governor who broadly represent all fields of the performing and fine arts in the Virgin Islands. At this time, the board members include: Jose Raul Carrillo, Chairman; Claire Roker, Vice-Chair; Karen Thurland, Treasurer; Lucinda Schutt, Secretary; Vernon A. Finch, Glenn "Kwabena" Davis and Pastor Reuben A. Vessup.
Currently, one of VICA’s most significant programs for individual artists or non-profit organizations is its annual Grant Program. Funding categories vary from general operating support to individual support for artist projects. Grant awards start at $500 up to a maximum of, $10,000 per fiscal year. The grants provide the financial support that artists and art related organizations need to produce, promote and access the arts in the Virgin Islands and abroad. Funding is provided in part by the Virgin Islands Government and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Most recently, VICA has provided free exhibition space in their gallery room at 5070 Norre Gade, across from Fort Christian. Several innovative artists have exhibited at VICA’s gallery space, most notable are: Native Virgin Islands, folk artist Mabel J. Maduro, painters Ieshia George, Augustine Holder, Robert Chang, Madeleine Meehan and multi-media artist Henry Gonzalez.
Other significant programs co-sponsored by VICA along with other V.I. governmental agencies include: The Annual Congressional Art Competition, Poetry Our Loud, The Big Read and The Virgin Islands Aquatic Heritage Program.
VICA is a member of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.
For further information go to their web sight at http://www.vicouncilonarts.org/ or visit VICA on St. Thomas at, 5070 Norre Gade, Charlotte Amalie, Tel. 340-774-5984 or on St. Croix at, 1131 King Street, Ste. 310, Christiansted, Tel. 340-773-3075.
Stephen J. Bostic, a St. Croix musician was the first director of VICA. As a well traveled musician, Mr. Bostic, understood the value that a council for the arts can have on a community. He paved the way for Mr. John Jowers, who in 1985 became the organizations 2nd director after serving as associate director since 1969. After a sixteen year tenure, Mr. Jowers retired in 2001. “It was an opportunity to work in an agency that I knew would have a tremendous, positive impact on the Virgin Islands.” states Mr. Jowers. Under Jower’s leadership VICA provided numerous opportunities for Virgin Islands artists and arts organizations to exhibit and perform in the Virgin Islands and abroad. His enthusiasm and accomplishments are duly noted in ARTfusions’ 3rd edition.
Forty two years later, the “Virgin Islands Council for the Arts” continues to enable the development of artistic and cultural opportunities for our community. Today, VICA is a division of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Its current director Ms. Betty Mahoney and her small staff work with a very minimal budget. They strive daily to meet the organizations mission: "To enrich the cultural life of the Virgin Islands through leadership that preserves, supports, strengthens, and makes accessible, excellence in the arts to all Virgin Islanders".
Additionally Ms. Mahoney collaborates closely with board members appointed by the Governor who broadly represent all fields of the performing and fine arts in the Virgin Islands. At this time, the board members include: Jose Raul Carrillo, Chairman; Claire Roker, Vice-Chair; Karen Thurland, Treasurer; Lucinda Schutt, Secretary; Vernon A. Finch, Glenn "Kwabena" Davis and Pastor Reuben A. Vessup.
Currently, one of VICA’s most significant programs for individual artists or non-profit organizations is its annual Grant Program. Funding categories vary from general operating support to individual support for artist projects. Grant awards start at $500 up to a maximum of, $10,000 per fiscal year. The grants provide the financial support that artists and art related organizations need to produce, promote and access the arts in the Virgin Islands and abroad. Funding is provided in part by the Virgin Islands Government and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Most recently, VICA has provided free exhibition space in their gallery room at 5070 Norre Gade, across from Fort Christian. Several innovative artists have exhibited at VICA’s gallery space, most notable are: Native Virgin Islands, folk artist Mabel J. Maduro, painters Ieshia George, Augustine Holder, Robert Chang, Madeleine Meehan and multi-media artist Henry Gonzalez.
Other significant programs co-sponsored by VICA along with other V.I. governmental agencies include: The Annual Congressional Art Competition, Poetry Our Loud, The Big Read and The Virgin Islands Aquatic Heritage Program.
VICA is a member of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation.
For further information go to their web sight at http://www.vicouncilonarts.org/ or visit VICA on St. Thomas at, 5070 Norre Gade, Charlotte Amalie, Tel. 340-774-5984 or on St. Croix at, 1131 King Street, Ste. 310, Christiansted, Tel. 340-773-3075.
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