T-Mobile Hometown Grant Fuels Arts and Community Revitalization in Downtown Waynesboro

Waynesboro, VA – Destination Downtown Waynesboro (DDW) is excited to announce that the City of Waynesboro has been awarded a T-Mobile Hometown Grant, providing $50,000 in funding to elevate the community’s annual Virginia Street Arts Festival and continue revitalizing downtown through public art.

Since 2014, the Virginia Street Arts Festival has transformed downtown walls into larger-than-life canvases, attracting nationally recognized muralists and showcasing local talent. With support from the T-Mobile Hometown Grant, the 2026 festival will feature more murals, expanded programming, and additional opportunities for the community to engage with artists.

“This Hometown Grant is a game changer for our arts festival,” said Meghan Swanson, acting President of Destination Downtown Waynesboro. “The funding allows us to take an iconic two-day event that already brings incredible energy to downtown and grow it into an exceptional experience that celebrates the arts and all that Waynesboro has to offer.”

To celebrate the award, DDW will host a public check presentation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Waynesboro. Community members, partners, and media are invited to attend. Details will be shared soon.

T-Mobile launched the Hometown Grants program in 2021 to help small towns and rural communities strengthen their local economies, create new opportunities, and foster community pride. Waynesboro was selected in the Fall 2025 grant round, joining more than 250 communities nationwide that have benefited from the program.

The next Virginia Street Arts Festival will take place May 16-17, 2026, bringing artists and visitors together for live mural installations, family-friendly activities, and an unforgettable celebration of creativity.

Additional details, including a full list of grant recipients, can be found here.