Arts For All

Arts For All


Christopher Newport University's Ferguson Center for the Arts is committed to bringing world-class performers to Hampton Roads and providing access to everyone. The Arts for All program is a key component to make that happen. ​​We believe that a community where everyone has the opportunity to experience the arts creates a society that is richer in understanding and broader in its appeal.

Ferguson Center's Arts for All Program was established in 2006 to provide complimentary and deeply discounted tickets to schools and not-for-profit organizations serving children and families who would otherwise be unable to attend performances. The program also supports education and community outreach initiatives, accessibility services, and more. Through the support of Ferguson Enterprises, the Newport News Arts Commission, our sponsors and private donors, the program has greatly expanded to become an integral part of Ferguson Center's mission.


Arts for All accomplishes this on several levels:

Accessibility

Services for patrons with special needs, from assisted listening devices to sensory bags for children on the autism spectrum, and from open captioning to Braille programs are paid for through Arts for All. Our goal is simple: remove all obstacles and welcome everyone who wishes to join us.

Hearing Impaired Access

Arts for All also helps pay for services such as open captioning during most Broadway performances and FM assisted listening devices including headsets and induction loop devices. 

An American Sign Language interpreter can be provided at many performances with at least two weeks' notice. If we are unable to provide an interpreter, a complimentary companion seat will be given to a patron-provided interpreter.

Patrons may contact the Ferguson Center by using Virginia Relay at (800) 828-1120.

Sensory Inclusive

The Ferguson Center has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests at events including those with sensitivities, by offering:

Sensory Bags: Sensory bags containing special KultureCity VIP badges, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout upon request.

Quiet Space: A room adjacent to our lobby is available as a designated quiet space.

Weighted Lap Pads: Lap pads are also available upon request. 

Visually Impaired

Seating for the visually impaired is available. Large print and Braille playbills are available by making a request at least 21 days prior to the performance. 

Mobility

Wheelchair accessible, limited mobility and companion seating is available in various locations and price zones throughout our venue. One companion seat is available per patron. Accessible seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

As a courtesy, a limited number of complimentary wheelchairs are available at all performances. Speak to a member of our staff upon arrival.

Handicap parking is available in the Center's parking garage and in the lot located directly in front of the venue.

Valet parking is available at most performances for all patrons at a cost of $30 per car. If valet parking is not available, patrons with limited mobility may park in the drop-off circle at our venue's main entrance.  

We ask that notice of special needs be addressed at time of ticket purchase so that we may best accommodate our guests. For more information regarding our services, please call (757) 594-8752 or email tickets@cnu.edu.

Education and Community Outreach

We provide educational outreach to schools, senior centers, businesses and after school programs.  Throughout the season, guest artists are brought into the community, reaching our neighbors in new and exciting ways through masterclasses, mini-concerts, lectures and Q&A sessions.

Opportunities for Christopher Newport Students

Training the next generation of arts leaders and advocates is our responsibility.  Through money raised in support of Arts for All, we are able to provide student work opportunities in all facets of arts administration and production. It is by paying it forward through mentorship that we ensure a bright future for the arts for generations to come.The program helps fund lecture-demonstrations, workshops, artist residencies and master classes, as well as provide internships and volunteer opportunities for university students.

 

Free and Deeply Discounted Tickets

  • We provide free and deeply discounted tickets to organizations that benefit children, families and seniors, as well as members of our military and those who could not otherwise afford to attend performances. Each season the Center provides thousands of free and discounted tickets to local organizations throughout Hampton Roads. Benefiting organizations have included Newport News Public Schools, Achievable Dream, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Center for Child & Family Services, Soundscapes and Grace Home for Children, among others.  

 

“We believe in the transformational power of the arts, and the Arts for All program can have a tremendous impact in our community.”

Bruce Bronstein, Ferguson Center Executive Director 

Support Arts For All

To support Arts for All, contact Kim Hinson, Executive Director of Advancement for the Arts, at (757) 594-8097. For information about participating as an organization, call (757) 594-7961.

 

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