Town Point Park's recent makeover was completed on time, on budget and in a record construction period. The result: average daily attendance more than tripled, and even with a shortened season, more than 250,000 people flocked to programs and festivals.

Today’s economic climate is affecting non-profit organizations, including the arts. They are struggling to adjust to reductions in memberships, in box office receipts and in contributions.

The Norfolk Arts Commission works with nearly 40 cultural groups guided by more than 700 community and business leaders. Even in the face of their own economic difficulties, these organizations and their boards continue to give back to the community.

There’s no better example than the Chrysler Museum of Art, which began offering free admission in September. The response: attendance has more than doubled, and voluntary donations at the door have more than tripled.

Through the Great Depression and World War II, storms and floods, name changes and mergers, the Virginia Symphony has been one of our great cultural institutions. This year it is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Under the baton of Conductor Joanne Faletta, the Symphony has played to rave reviews at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Its performance of Bernstein’s Mass was a Virginia premier.

The Virginia Stage Company and Virginia Opera continue to bring premier productions to the region and state. The Virginia Arts Festival moves into its new building— the Clay and Jay Barr Education Center in 2010. Next door is the new home of the Hurrah Players.