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History

In September of 2004 Bridge Co-founders, Zack Worrell and Greg Antrim Kelly, began organizing and hosting a series of small-scale art exhibits and events out of an empty building in the neighborhood of Belmont, just south of downtown Charlottesville. The space came to be called New Art Across The Bridge after its location and immediate mission. The goal of NAATB was to help promote young and emerging artists, build community, and test out new ideas in the setting of a small-scale non-commercial neighborhood gallery.

The success of these events and growing support from the surrounding community led to further research in ways of extending their efforts. They visited model organizations, cultivating ties with a handful of mentors and groups across the country. New Urban Arts, AS220, The Steelyard and The Young League of Voters were just a few who helped lay the ground work for the basic philosophy and ultimate vision which would come to define The Bridge | Progressive Arts Initiative.

Upon returning to Charlottesville, Worrell and Kelly began designing projects that could be realized both in and out of the gallery setting, extending the reach of their efforts as well as diversifying the audience. The Bridge began hosting multi-dimensional events which combined film, music, and performance in an effort to cultivate a richer exchange among otherwise disassociated facets of the community. The Bridge continues to build upon these motivations, supporting the work of young and emerging artists while working to dissolve social barriers, foster dialogue and encourage a deeper exchange through the arts.