Tephra ICA
May 11, 2023
Peraton is once again the title sponsor of the 2023 Tephra ICA Arts Festival, formerly titled the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival, taking place on May 20–21, 2023.
This year, more than 200 artists will travel from 33 states across the U.S. and Canada to Reston Town Center to participated in Tephra ICA’s signature fundraiser where they’ll exhibit and sell their work. Tephra ICA will also launch the Anniversary Celebration of its 50-year history in the community.
“The festival would not be possible without invaluable support from partners like Peraton,“ says Jaynelle Hazard, Tephra ICA executive director. “We’re beyond thrilled, and grateful, to have them return this year to help deliver this important marquee community event. Their commitment to, and championship of, community groups—such as veterans, people of color, and women—aligns with the important ways Tephra ICA aims to make an impact within the contemporary art field.”
Three of Peraton’s employee resource groups (ERGs) are engaging directly with the festival artists. Members from MERGE (Multicultural ERG Exchange), VALOR (Veterans and Allies Leading Optimal Results), and WIN (Women’s IMPACT Network) will review the artist portfolios and identify people of color, veterans, and/or women respectively to help highlight the festival’s diverse array of talent. For those who can’t make it to the entire festival, visitors will be able to access a virtual list to experience the curated selection of exhibiting artists.
“Peraton is proud to return for a second year as title sponsor of the Festival – this time, happening right in our backyard. My team and the ERGs have made significant strides to carve out a workplace that reflects the full depth of our people and our new neighborhood,” says Laila Salguero, our chief DE&I officer. “Tephra recognizes the unique ability art has to elicit diversity of people, thought, and creation, which is invaluable in the workforce. We will continue our commitment to attracting individuals from varied backgrounds, education, and schools of thought, which enable us to address national security threats from all angles.”
“We’re proud to have the support of a company that is engaging in coordinated and thoughtful DE&I efforts, as we continue to grow the diversity of our participating artists and audiences,” reflects Hannah Barco, Tephra ICA’s Festival director and associate curator.
To learn more about the event, exhibiting artists, or opportunities to get involved as a volunteer or sponsor, please visit https://www.tephraica.org/festival/.
