The Collective / About
Our story.
To unite, equip, and serve Hampton Roads through music, dance, and drama.
How it began
From six voices to a performing arts center.
The Collective Performing Arts Center began with L.O.V.E, founded by Jessica Brunson in February 2023. What began with six members and a shared passion for music quickly grew into a vision for something greater: an organization where artistic excellence and community impact could exist together.
As that vision continued to grow, so did The Collective. New opportunities for service, artistic expression, and community engagement led to the establishment of the Community Service Board in May 2025, followed by the official founding of The Collective Performing Arts Center as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in July 2025.
Today, The Collective brings together music, dance, and drama through its programs, performances, community initiatives, and opportunities for artistic development.
Our mission is simple
To unite, equip, and serve Hampton Roads through music, dance, and drama.
From one music program to a growing performing arts organization, the journey continues.
Where excellence is the standard.
Our journey · Unite | Equip | Serve
Different moments. A greater purpose.
And we’re only getting started.
February 2023
L.O.V.E was founded
L.O.V.E was founded with 6 members, uniting voices through a shared passion for music and a desire to make an impact.
December 2023
L.O.V.E’s first event
L.O.V.E hosted its first event, marking the beginning of what would become a growing legacy of artistry and community impact.
August 2024
L.O.V.E’s first community initiative
L.O.V.E launched its first community initiative, taking the mission beyond the stage and into the community.
May 2025
The Community Service Board was established
The Community Service Board was established to support and expand The Collective’s commitment to service and community engagement.
July 2025
The Collective 501(c)(3) was founded
The Collective Performing Arts Center was officially founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, solidifying a greater vision for the future.
October 2025
Spirit & Truth Movement Ministries was founded
Spirit & Truth Movement Ministries was founded, adding a new artistic expression to The Collective through the power of movement and worship.
January 2026
Dramatic Impact: Theatre for Change was founded
Dramatic Impact: Theatre for Change was founded, bringing storytelling to The Collective and creating opportunities for meaningful conversation, reflection, and change through theatre.
June 2026
Spirit & Truth’s first event
Spirit & Truth hosted its first event, marking a new milestone for the movement ministry and further expanding The Collective’s impact through the arts.
- Creating exceptional artistic experiences.
- Developing people.
- Strengthening communities.
- Building a legacy.
Jessica Brunson
Founder & Executive Director
Meet our founder
Jessica Brunson
Founder & Executive Director
Jessica Brunson is an arts leader, educator, and nonprofit executive with 20 years of experience directing and teaching choirs. Her passion for excellence, the arts, and developing people has shaped her work both in the performing arts and in professional leadership.
In February 2023, Jessica founded L.O.V.E, the music program that became the foundation for The Collective Performing Arts Center. Her vision continued to expand, leading to the establishment of The Collective as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2025.
Jessica also brings more than a decade of professional experience with Huntington Ingalls Industries and Newport News Shipbuilding, where she has served in roles involving quality, production support, document control, and leadership. This experience has strengthened her approach to accountability, process improvement, teamwork, and leadership development.
Her commitment to leadership and entrepreneurship was recognized with the 2024 Emerging Leader Award. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership and Management at Regent University, continuing her own growth as a leader while building opportunities for others to grow.
Through The Collective, Jessica is creating a platform where artists can develop their gifts, communities can connect, and excellence can become a standard of both artistic and personal growth.
- 20 years
- directing and teaching choirs
- 2024
- Emerging Leader Award
- Regent University
- pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Christian Leadership and Management
The journey continues
Where excellence is the standard.
Join us in Hampton Roads — as a supporter, a performer, or a partner.