The performing and visual arts in the Northern Neck of Virginia thrives largely due to the vision and efforts of the Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts, Inc. (RFA).  Founded in 1986 as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, the RFA promotes the arts in the counties of Lancaster, Northumberland and Middlesex, together with other surrounding areas.

Board members of the RFA recognized very early on that the first priority of the organization was to identify a suitable theater/auditorium.  At about the same time, the Lancaster County school system was looking into creating its own theater, and the then school superintendent proposed a joint effort to construct and operate a theater used jointly by the community.  The Virginia Commission for the Arts offered guidance and has been extremely helpful over the years.  The RFA went to work and raised close to $1 million by the summer of 1991.

A further focus of the RFA  is to bring the arts to school children.  The Foundation works closely with school personnel and the middle and primary school PTAs providing grants to fund part of the costs of bringing professional poets, dancers, actors and musicians to school children in the Northern Neck.

The RFA continues to support and sponsor a range of performing and visual arts programs.  The Foundation assisted the Irvington Chamber of Commerce in constructing a band stand on the Irvington Green where numerous concerts currently take place.  The Northern Neck Orchestra, Friends of Belle Isle State Park, the Rappahannock Art League and the Rappahannock Women's Chorale have all received aid from the RFA's annual budget.  Lancaster and Northumberland high school bands, Lancaster Middle School Chorus and Drama Club and the Northern Neck Homeschoolers are all examples of young people receiving sponsorship and grants.   

All tax-deductible contributions to the RFA will help to fulfill the Foundations mission "to entertain, educate, support and encourage the performing and visual arts in our community".