On July 18, 2017, the Town Council adopted an ordinance to establish the NOVA Arts and Cultural District, which in addition to the Town, includes the Workhouse Arts Center and the Occoquan Regional Park in Fairfax. As Virginia’s first interjurisdictional arts and cultural district, this new district aims to expand arts and cultural opportunities available to visitors in Prince William County and Fairfax County.
The Town of Occoquan is home to several art galleries, as well as unique shops and eateries, all located within the town’s riverfront historic district. In addition, the Town hosts its semi-annual Arts and Crafts show each year, bringing more than 10,000 visitors to the region to shop a variety of arts, crafts, and handmade goods. The establishment of this district allows the town to work with other jurisdictions to brand the region as a destination for tourism, commerce, and cultural leisure activities.
Public Art in Occoquan
Streetscape Installment on Mill Street
In partnership with Occoquan River Communities (ORC) and Occoquan Historical Society (OHS), the Town installed a 90-foot banner along Mill Street featuring life size historical images of Occoquan’s past. The banner was unveiled during a special event on September 17, 2015, during which former Mayor and current Treasurer of OHS Earnie Porta provided a description of each of the photos and their connection to Occoquan history. This project is part of the ORC Public Art Committee’s initiative to bring public art (performing and visual) to the Occoquan region. Press Release View descriptions of each photo prepared by the Occoquan Historical Society.
Project Partners
- Town of Occoquan
- Occoquan River Communities
- Occoquan Historical Society
- Polaris Press
- Virginia Lawn Service
- Melissa Jennings Stevens (Property Owner)