RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginians for the Arts Foundation (VFTAF) is pleased to announce its new partnership with Dominion Resources to present the Dominion ArtStars Awards in 2011.  The awards will recognize two arts organizations in each of five regions of the state, that best demonstrate the ability to enhance the community, lift our spirits, and build a better quality of life. The awards build on the success of Virginians for the Arts' inaugural Arts Build Communities Awards, celebrated in January 2010.

"The ArtStars Awards present a wonderful opportunity to spotlight the ways in which the arts contribute to the overall quality of life in Virginia. We are truly grateful to Dominion for recognizing the ways the arts enrich our lives and strengthen and bring vibrancy to our communities," VFTAF President Suny Monk commented.

"Dominion recognizes that the arts are not only a critical underpinning of our culture but also important economic drivers," said Virginia M. Board, President of The Dominion Foundation.  "We are excited to launch this program in partnership with VFTAF and raise awareness of the exceptional art programs throughout the Commonwealth."

In each of five regions of the state, two awards will be made, the Shining Star Award and the Rising Star Award.  The Shining Star Award will be presented to an organization that has an extraordinary impact on the community, successfully develops community partnerships, as well as business, legislative, and local community support; contributes to K-12 education; and that has stood the "test of time."  The Rising Star Award will be made to an organization that meets all criteria for the Shining Star Award but that is not as well established.

The five regions in which awards will be made include: Central Virginia; Hampton Roads/Eastern Shore; Northern Virginia; Southwest Virginia; and Shenandoah Valley/Piedmont.  Through the generosity of Dominion, cash prizes of $5,000 for each Shining Star and $1,000 for each Rising Star will be awarded.

Nominations will open February 15, 2011, and must be postmarked or delivered to Virginians for the Arts Foundation no later than April 15, 2011. Nominated organizations must be headquartered, incorporated, and present the majority of their programs in Virginia.

Judging will take place over the summer and award winners will be announced in late summer 2011.  Recognition events will take place in the five regions in September and October 2011.  Winners will also be recognized at ArtWorks 2012 in Richmond, Virginia.

More information and a nomination form can be obtained from the Virginians for the Arts website (VaForArts.org).

Virginians for the Arts Foundation works to increase public awareness of the important contributions the arts make to the Commonwealth and the importance of the work of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which distributes grants that nurture the arts throughout Virginia.

The contribution for Dominion ArtStars was made through the Dominion Foundation. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Dominion Resources, of which Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary.  Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with a portfolio of more than 27,600 megawatts of generation.  Dominion operates the world's largest natural gas storage system and serves retail energy customers in 13 states.  For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

SOURCE Dominion