Pollak Society

VCUarts Dean Carmenita Higginbotham, Ph.D., invites you to experience and learn about the many amazing facets of VCUarts by renewing or becoming a Pollak Society member today.

Please join us in the Pollak Society. Your participation will empower the promise of VCUarts. Each and every gift to the Pollak Society helps create a student experience we can be proud of. One where financial aid is truly life-changing. One where academic excellence means teaching students how to think and create, not what to think and create. And, one where students are free to explore their talents and be themselves.

In turn, we look forward to introducing you to the minds and materials that will shape the artistic world in the years and decades to come. Membership in the Pollak Society gives an unparalleled opportunity to engage and learn from artists, makers, performers, designers and creators.

Member Benefits

2022-23 Season of Events

Sept. 21, 2022 – Radical Futures: An evening with VCUarts Qatar

Join VCUarts Qatar Dean Amir Berbic, Ph.D., at the VCU ICA for a conversation, special performance and post event cocktail reception with international artists and designers featured in the Tasmeem Doha 2022 conference.

Oct. 20, 2022 – The Try-me Collection: Art for Community

Enjoy a program and reception at Try-me with Pam Royall and VCUarts faculty and alumni whose works are included in the William A. Royall and Pamela Kiecker Royall Try-me Collection. Hear how thoughtful, creative and relevant art can strengthen connections at VCUarts, in Richmond and beyond.

Nov. 17, 2022 – Hot Glass: An Experience with VCUarts Craft Faculty

Be our guest at the Murry N. DePillars Building for a conversation and demonstration with renowned glass artist Jack Wax. Learn how fearless investigation and material study are shaping the next generation of artists, designers and makers.

Feb. 2023 – Cocktails and Conversation about the AIAB

Be among the first to hear about VCUarts’ new Arts Innovation Academic Building, a place where the arts and other disciplines will intersect to imagine and solve the world’s toughest problems. At the AIAB collaboration will be the driving force of the next generation of teaching, learning and discovery at VCU.

April 2023 – Backstage with VCUarts Dance + Choreography

Attend a special preview performance of the 2023 Senior Showcase and experience the energetic, collaborative force that embodies the VCUarts Dance community. Meet the dedicated faculty and talented student choreographers and performers making a name for themselves in the field of dance.

May 10, 2023 – Up Close with VCUarts Fashion Design

Enjoy a special reception prior to the annual VCUarts Fashion event, one of Richmond’s most anticipated evenings. Witness the impassioned, collaborative efforts of merchandisers and designers at a lively runway show and expo. Seating for this public event is limited, but your membership will allow the first option to secure your spot as a Fashion sponsor.

In addition to these exclusive Pollak Society events, members enjoy invitations to:

  • VCUarts Faculty Lecture Series
  • Exhibition openings at the Anderson
  • VCUarts annual Fashion Show
  • Performances from the departments of Music, Theatre and Dance + Choreography

*Dates and event format is subject to change

Contact the development team

By joining the Pollak Society, you can support the creative endeavors of VCUarts students, faculty and staff. To learn more about the Pollak Society, please contact:

Sarah Hendricks, Executive Director of Development
shendricks@vcu.edu / (804) 828-8844