New downtown Richmond venue, DIVA, offers 'art for art's sake'

Dudas Inspiration Venue for the Arts, or DIVA, is a nonprofit that offers space generally free of charge to local performers and creators, and provides a selection of other programming, including workshops, open mic nights and other performance-based events for the general public.

The space, 708 E. Main St., also has been utilized for events hosted by building and business owners Andy and Amy Dudas, as well as workshops and classes.

The couple bought the building at 708 E. Main St. in July 2017 to house both DIVA and Dudas Law, a firm owned by Amy that offers a variety of legal services.

The firm moved to the second floor of the building in October 2017 and work on DIVA's first-floor area — for now an interim space — was completed earlier this year and began offering events in April.

The venue isn't focused on bringing in money, Amy Dudas said, but is instead geared toward the development of an appreciation for the arts throughout Richmond and Wayne County.