The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance is marking a major milestone this year — 50 years of arts programming, artist support and cultural events in Sullivan County and the Upper Delaware Valley.
To celebrate, the organization is planning a 50th anniversary gala on May 16 along with a yearlong calendar of events reflecting on DVAA’s past while looking ahead to the future of the arts in the region.
A milestone for rural arts
Executive Director Ariel Shanberg said reaching the half-century mark is significant for an arts organization in a rural community.
“Well, I have to say first and foremost, we’re looking good for 50,” Shanberg said. “This is no small milestone for an arts organization in the rural communities.”
Shanberg said the anniversary also recognizes the work of the organization’s founders and the continued growth of its mission.
“To see over five decades the mission that was laid out by Elaine Jagair and Tom De Jeannette and others in our community only grow deeper into the soil and have a greater impact farther and farther out throughout the county — it’s really a moment to take pause and celebrate all that we’ve achieved and gather momentum for what’s to come.”
Community impact over five decades
DVAA board member Alessandra Iavarone said the organization has played an important role in the community and local economy.
“I’ve been on Main Street in Narrowsburg for 14 [years], and it’s been a pleasure and an honor to attend the exhibits, get to know the artists,” Iavarone said.
She added that arts events also help bring visitors to the region.
- Visitors drawn by exhibits and festivals support local businesses and hospitality
- DVAA programming helps connect artists with the community
- Expanded offerings now include more theater, music and literary programming
“The visitors definitely show community growth for our local businesses, our hospitality. And it’s just incredible,” Iavarone said.
Gala planned at airport venue
The anniversary gala will take place at the newly renovated terminal at the Sullivan County International Airport — a venue Shanberg said reflects DVAA’s history of bringing art to unexpected places.
“Art belongs everywhere,” Shanberg said.
He said the location also symbolizes the organization’s next chapter.
“That metaphor of taking off for an exciting next 50 years — the airport felt the perfect place.”
Honoring DVAA history
The celebration will include a look back at the organization’s past.
Iavarone said organizers are creating a “time tunnel” installation highlighting moments from the last five decades.
Shanberg said reviewing old photos has revealed how long DVAA has been part of community life.
“Watching people go through decades of photos and seeing people who are leaders in our community today as little kids sitting on the side of the road watching Riverfest or being part of an event has just been incredible.”
A full year of celebration ahead
The anniversary gala will launch a yearlong schedule of events, including:
- A community table read of “Our Town”
- A future-focused symposium on art and artificial intelligence
- New exhibitions and open-call shows for artists
- Additional performances and arts programming throughout the year
“The gala is really the kickoff,” Iavarone said.
Shanberg said the organization’s long-term vision includes building future audiences and supporting emerging artists.
“Coming into contact with the arts is just so important to anybody’s development,” he said. “It opens us up to different perspectives, different people, different stories, different ways of being.”
Image Credit: DVAA