FWD:RVA is a curated week of free arts and culture programming presented by Style Weekly in conjunction with artoberVA. Designed to spotlight the creative energy driving Richmond forward, each night focuses on a different discipline — from visual art and theater to music, film, and design. Through performances, conversations, and special events, FWD:RVA creates space to engage with the work shaping the city — not just to celebrate it, but to explore where it’s going, who’s behind it, and what’s possible next.
Oct. 6 | Film
Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University | 6-8:30 p.m.
Join us for a screening of Headwaters Down, followed by an engaging conversation on the future of film in Richmond moderated by chief content officer at VPM, Steve Humble. Our panel will explore everything from documentaries to narrative features, discussing local filmmaking, creative opportunities, and how community and city support shape the cinematic landscape.
Steve will be joined by:
- Justin Black, Filmmaker
- Melody Roscher, Writer/director/producer
- Elizabeth Crowl, Documentary director/producer/writer
- Danny Caporaletti, Adjunct Instructor, VCU Department of Cinema
Oct. 7 | Theater
Richmond Triangle Players | 6-8:30 p.m.
Richmond theater is dealing with significant changes and challenges. Join us for a compelling conversation moderated by Style Weekly theater critic David Timberline with a diverse panel of local stakeholders about the way forward.
Moderated by Style Weekly theater critic David Timberline, the panel features:
- Cindy Creasy, Founder, Creasy Woolfolk Concepts
- Joshua Denning, Head of Musical Theatre, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Tariq Karriem, Founder & Artistic Director, BLK VA Theatre Alliance
- Nathaniel Shaw, Producing Artistic Director, Firehouse Theatre
Enjoy a cash bar and light bites in the lobby before joining us in the theater for an engaging discussion. Audience questions are welcome, and you’ll also have the opportunity to submit a question in advance during registration.
Oct. 8 | Arts & Culture
Firehouse Theatre | 6-8:30 p.m.
Join us for a live recording of the VPM podcast RVA’s Got Issues with host Rich Meagher. With all the changes in City Hall and Washington, D.C., we’ll explore what’s in store for the future of the arts in Richmond.
Rich will be joined by:
- Maura Sinnenberg, Director of Advancement, Cadence Theatre
- Scott Garka, President, CultureWorks
- Desirée Roots, Local arts icon
Together, they’ll discuss everything from youth programs to city government support, providing insights into how these shifts will shape RVA’s arts scene. Audience members are welcome to listen, engage, and participate in the conversation.
Enjoy a cash bar and light bites in the lobby before joining us in the theater for an engaging discussion.
Oct. 9 | Music
Gallery5 | 6-8:30 p.m.
Join us for an engaging conversation on the future of music in Richmond, hosted by Andrew Cothern, Style Weekly Music Writer.
Andrew will be joined by:
- Doug Nunnally, Founder, The Auricular
- Tyler Meacham, Singer-songwriter
- Madi Thompson, Sound engineer, curator, and multimedia artist
- Brice Maddox (DJ B-Rice), DJ and producer
Together, they’ll explore the local music scene, from emerging artists and creative opportunities to city support and community programs. Audience members are encouraged to listen, ask questions, and share in the conversation shaping Richmond’s musical landscape.
Keep the momentum going with live performances by Dead Billionaires and Hot Lava. Enjoy this chance to connect with panelists, fellow music lovers, and local creatives while soaking in Richmond’s vibrant music scene.
