For its third anniversary, Viva RVA! commissioned artist Alfonso Perez Acosta to create a painting honoring the Hispanic/Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. Alfonso met with several members of the LGBTQ community and asked them to unite in a big hug, which he later used as reference for his final piece.

The artwork, titled El Abrazo (The Hug), premiered at the Crossroads Art Center LGBTQ Exhibition and was auctioned to fund future Viva RVA! initiatives. The piece also inspired the creation of a “Hug Station”—designed for guests to capture moments embracing loved ones.

To extend its impact, the artwork was transformed into collectible posters and distributed at the Viva RVA! Hispanic Festival, with 100 signed editions offered to Viva RVA! Music Festival attendees.