By Jennifer LoConte, Director of Communications 

ArtsQuest has long been a cornerstone of the Lehigh Valley’s cultural fabric, but for many involved in its growth and revitalization, this non-profit organization represents more than just a venue for the arts; it embodies community, resilience and a shared belief in the power of the arts to transform lives. One such supporter, Vicki Doulé, has been at the heart of ArtsQuest’s journey for 10 years. Through her leadership roles, deep commitment to the arts and active involvement in the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign, Vicki’s story reflects a passionate belief in the arts’ importance, especially in times of adversity. 

Vicki’s connection to ArtsQuest began philanthropically. As a circle member and board service participant, she gradually grew more engaged with the organization. Her formal board involvement started in 2015 and by 2020, she became board chair, stepping into a leadership role just as the world was thrown into the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure as chair during the pandemic proved crucial, as ArtsQuest navigated the challenges brought by the global health crisis. 

Reflecting on that period, Vicki recalls the early days of the Capital Campaign when the excitement was palpable. However, the onset of COVID-19 halted much of the momentum. “We almost had to imagine a world without Musikfest,” Vicki shares, a sentiment that hit close to home for her, her husband Andy and many others. Musikfest, the country’s largest free music festival in the country that draws well over one million people to Bethlehem, was suddenly in jeopardy, and for the first time, the community truly understood the impact of the arts when they were absent. 

The pandemic was a wake-up call for many, emphasizing how crucial the arts are to the vitality of communities. “When we didn’t have them during COVID, we realized how much we missed them,” Vicki explains. This period of reflection made the capital campaign for the new Cultural Center even more urgent. The healing and connection provided by the arts became increasingly apparent as ArtsQuest and the broader community worked to reinvent and rebuild in the face of uncertainty. 

Vicki and Andy’s support for the Capital Campaign wasn’t just a financial contribution but a deep-seated commitment to leaving a legacy that would last beyond her tenure. The Doulé family’s involvement in the creation of the new artist studios at the future ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL is a prime example of this. Named the “Doulé Family Artist Studio,” it will represent a long-term commitment to the arts and the community. Vicki and her family saw these artist studios as a unique opportunity to support the Creative Factory and create something meaningful for future generations. 

“This is our singular focus,” Vicki says. “For our family, the studio is more than just a space; it’s an opportunity to create a lasting legacy that connects our name to something bigger than our own journey. It’s a place where creativity can flourish, and future generations of artists will find inspiration and an outlet for their expression. While we’re proud to be involved with numerous non-profits in the Lehigh Valley, our greatest priority is to leave an enduring impact with ArtsQuest.” 

As ArtsQuest moves forward with the development of the new ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, Vicki and others involved in the campaign are eagerly anticipating the groundbreaking and eventual grand opening. The new space promises to bring more visibility and accessibility to the arts, with artist studios that are larger, more interactive and designed to foster deeper connections between the public and the artists. Vicki is excited about the renewed energy the new spaces will bring to the campus. 

But beyond the physical spaces, the heart of ArtsQuest’s mission has always been the people it serves. Vicki’s family’s involvement is just one example of how community members rally around ArtsQuest to ensure its success. From supporting music festivals like Musikfest to championing new artistic ventures, the communities and organizations of the Lehigh Valley continue to show their unwavering support for this cultural hub. 

“The arts bring healing. They bring enjoyment. They are an outlet for all of us,” Vicki asserts. As funding for the arts faces cuts at the national level, the role of organizations like ArtsQuest becomes even more critical. “Communities must rally around the arts,” she says. “We need to support them because they are a cornerstone, especially in education where it’s proven that students do better academically as well as emotionally when the arts are a staple to their curriculum.” 

Vicki’s personal journey with ArtsQuest has been one of connection, leadership and an enduring belief in the power of the arts to shape a better, more resilient future. Additionally, the Doulé family loves the opportunity to see live music, a lot of which is free throughout the year but especially in the warmer months. “We can’t wait to see The Avett Brothers at Musikfest this year,” she comments. “My favorite Musikfest headliner was Willie Nelson and we also really enjoyed Weezer. But there’s so much more live music – whether heading to the Levitt Pavilion on weekends or smaller music festivals like Blast Furnace Blues and Sabor, we love it all.”   

As Vicki looks ahead to the Creative Factory’s completion, she sees it not just as a physical building but as a lasting testament to what is possible when a community comes together to support the arts. For Vicki and her family, their involvement in this project represents a legacy of hope, creativity and commitment to a brighter future for the Lehigh Valley. 

In the end, the importance of the arts extends far beyond the walls of ArtsQuest itself. It’s about the people whose lives are touched by the creativity and inspiration fostered within those spaces, and the legacy of a community that chooses to support the arts—not just with words, but with meaningful action.