About Us
The Bluefield Arts & Revitalization Corporation (BARC) is an arts-focused and community-based not-for-profit organization.
Our History
The corporation was formed in late 2020 by the merger of the Alliance for the Arts and the Bluefield Preservation Society, both long-standing and successful not-for-profit organizations in Bluefield, West Virginia.
BARC manages the Granada Theater - an historic venue in Bluefield’s downtown, Raleigh Street Cinemas - two new movie theaters in the lower level of the Granada, and the Paine Gallery - an exhibit space in Bluefield’s Old City Hall.
Our Mission
BARC’s mission is to use the arts to create opportunities for education, employment, and entertainment in downtown Bluefield, West Virginia.
BARC's mission is fulfilled by providing entertainment through movies, music, live theater, and free community events at the Granada and Raleigh Street Cinemas, offering educational programs in collaboration with Mercer County public schools and local universities, organizing exhibits from local and regional artists and artisans at the Paine Gallery, and preserving and repurposing vacant real estate in the city to benefit the community.
Our Economic Impact
In 2023, over 20,000 people flocked to downtown Bluefield for diverse cultural events at the Granada Theater, Raleigh Street Cinemas, and the Paine Gallery, boosting foot traffic and supporting local businesses, thanks to BARC. BARC's programming offers unique cultural experiences for residents, reducing the need for long-distance travel. Moreover, a vibrant arts community attracts businesses, residents, and tourists, revitalizing Bluefield after years of decline.
In 2023, more than 20,000 people came to downtown Bluefield
20K+
Helping to position Bluefield for growth
Education
BARC's arts education programs offer students cultural enrichment through movies, choral music, and live theater, often providing access they wouldn't have otherwise.
Community Development & Job Creation
We understand that long-term sustainability also depends on the venues used to present entertainment and educational programs.
Entertainment Programming
BARC’s entertainment programming and educational programs consistently reach people whose access to the arts has historically been limited by economics, geography, or race.
Board of Directors
We appreciate our community volunteers and their dedication to BARC and keeping us operating.
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Robert Linkous, President
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Debrah Ammar, Vice President
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Cindy Stonestreet, Secretary
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Laura Zachwieja Ward, Treasurer
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Gail Satterfield
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James Jenks
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Skip Crane
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Peter Taylor
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Mimi Merrit
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Doris Sue Kantor
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Cindy Kantor Kraft
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Ron Martin
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Bill Cole