About The ArtsCenter

The ArtsCenter is a 501(c)(3) Arts Education non-profit located in Carrboro, North Carolina which offers classes, performances, and art exhibits all year round. The ArtsCenter facilities include a 300-seat theater, classrooms, a dance studio, a 100-seat performance space, and an art gallery. The ArtsCenter is the single largest employer of artists in Orange County, and serves more than 100,000 students and citizens throughout the area.

Our Mission

The ArtsCenter exists in order to educate and inspire artistic creativity and to enrich the lives of people of all ages. The vision of The ArtsCenter is to create an educational environment that provides opportunities, inspiration and tools to people of all ages and skill levels to participate in the arts.

Our DEI Statement

The ArtsCenter believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to fulfilling our mission of educating and inspiring artistic creativity to enrich the lives of all people. We are committed to creating an atmosphere of diversity and inclusion through our focused, long-term efforts to ensure equity guides our policies, practices, and procedures. This commitment extends to our programming, allocation of funds, marketing, recruitment, and partnerships. We feel that in making this commitment, all artists will thrive and our community will flourish.

The ArtsCenter acknowledges and celebrates the unique backgrounds that each person brings to our community. We affirm that diversity, equity, and inclusion is like art in that it is constantly evolving and is created from a place of authenticity and passion. The ArtsCenter will continue to listen and engage with our staff, artists, patrons, students and neighbors to ensure that we make progress along the diversity, equity, and inclusion continuum.

Our History

The ArtsCenter, originally known as ‘ArtsSchool’ was founded in 1974 by artist Jacques Menache. Menache found inspiration for the ArtsSchool from his time living in Mexico City, where he found many multidisciplinary cultural institutes. During this time, Carrboro did not have as much of a strong artistic presence as it does today. Carrboro was seen as more of an industrial town. “There was a need in the community for cultural arts,” said Menache. Menache recognized the need for a space which could meet the needs of the artists in the community and shape the cultural climate of the town.

Menache rented a space on the second floor of present-day Armadillo Grill on Main Street in Carrboro and organized classes for students. After opening the ArtsSchool, Menache advertised drawing and painting classes in the local paper. Soon after, Menache realized that the space he rented could be used for more than just drawing and painting classes. “The room was beautiful and had wooden floors,” says Menache, “so I had the floors refinished and started teaching dance classes, doing a little performing, and then pretty soon, people wanted to do theater in the space.” In time, Menache imagined that the walls in the space were “great for a little gallery,” and he began to host art openings. Later, Menache began projecting films in the back office.

“In the first three years, ‘74-’77, we were showing movies and having little dance performances, teaching classes in several disciplines, having concerts, and it snowballed. I ended up renting the whole upstairs and started teaching more classes. I put in a little art supply store for the students who came for drawing, and built a darkroom and started teaching photography” says Menache. By 1979, the ArtsSchool had over 300 students.

In 1979, As the ArtsSchool continued to expand, Menache raised the necessary funds to relocate across the street to Carr Mill Mall. As the ArtsSchool relocated, Menache changed the name to The ArtsCenter, to reflect the growth in space and diversity of programs. As well as a strong visual arts program, the organization included space for various performance arts, concerts, films, and poetry readings.

Eventually, the owner of Carr Mill Mall passed away. When a new owner bought Carr Mill, Menache decided to relocate once again. Menache saw that the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket across the street was about to close down and inquired about renting the space. After raising the funds, he was able to secure a space in the old supermarket. This 20,000 square foot location was renovated and remains the location of The ArtsCenter today.

Some claim that The ArtsCenter contributed greatly to the artistic atmosphere in present-day Carrboro. Others claim that The ArtsCenter came at a time when there was already a catalyst for artistic growth. Some examples of this idea include the fact that big businesses and retailers were discouraged from opening in Carrboro, which contributed to a small-business and homegrown atmosphere.

Our Staff

Jenny Shultz-Thomas

Executive Director

jshultz@artscenterlive.org

Mark Bettger

Deputy Director
ext. 2, mbettger@artscenterlive.org

Wendy Smith

Development Director
ext. 8, wsmith@artscenterlive.org

Rachel Manconi

Development Associate
ext. 9, rmanconi@artscenterlive.org

Munsie Davis

Box Office Manager
ext. 1, mdavis@artscenterlive.org

Our Board

Keta Barnes

Keta is a practicing attorney specializing in civil litigation and labor law. She has been an active member of the legal community in Tennessee, and more recently the Triangle, for 18 plus years as an attorney and jurist. She currently works for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs representing its various sub-departments in the North Atlantic District. Prior to that, Keta worked as a litigation attorney in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.

Keta is a graduate of Mercer University (Macon, Georgia) and the University of Tennessee College of Law (Knoxville) where she served as an editor of the Tennessee Law Review. She has served on various boards in Tennessee including MTSU’s Honors College Board of Visitors, the Stonecrest Hospital Board of Trustees, and the Nashville Metro Council Board of Ethics.

She recently moved to the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area where she enjoys spending time with her family including her husband J. Steven Barnes and their two daughters.

H. Arthur Bolick II

Arty Bolick is an experienced litigator and construction lawyer who represents his clients in all manner of court proceedings and arbitrations. He counsels his construction clients throughout all phases of commercial and institutional construction projects, from contracting and claims resolution, to arbitration and litigation if disputes cannot be resolved through negotiation.

Arty holds a BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a JD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law.

Johanna Foster

Johanna Hawfield Foster is a native North Carolinian who remained in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area after graduating from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997. She currently serves as Senior Director of Academic Affairs at the UNC School of Medicine, and has done so since 2013 where she oversees curricular operations and special projects. Prior to her role at the medical school, she was a project manager at Wake County Government and middle school Spanish teacher at Duke School. Johanna is passionate about access to education and public service.

Johanna holds a BA in Spanish Education and Masters of Public Administration, both from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is also a board member of the UNC-Chapel Hill MPA Alumni Board at the School of Government.

Michael Frisch

Michael Frisch is an innovative and energetic leader with the proven ability to analyze businesses, services, operations, markets and growth opportunities and then introduce strategic and tactical solutions that improve competitive performance. He has spent ~35 years in the healthcare field working with dental practice management, radiology, radiation therapy and out-patient surgery companies. For the past 20 years, Michael has been part of senior and executive leader teams guiding these organizations. Additionally, during his time as an executive leader, Michael has overseen 20 acquisitions and 5 spin-offs.

Michael holds a BA in Economics from the University of Illinois and a MBA from DePaul University. For the past four years, Michael has devoted his energy to working as a pro-bono consultant with non-profits in the Triangle area. Since joining ESC three years ago, Michael’s area of focus has been organizational assessment, strategic planning, Board development and operational efficiency. Additionally, he has been a key presenter in the ESC Board Leadership Bootcamp series.

Lakeisha Minor

Ellen Medearis

Ellen Medearis, Vice President of Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs (DHDAA) since 2011, has worked at Duke for more than 20 years. Prior to joining DHDAA, Medearis served in leadership positions within Duke Medicine and Duke University Development: she was Director of Major Gifts for Duke Medicine Development and Alumni Affairs, followed by Director of Major and Leadership Gifts, Executive Director, and then Associate Vice President for Duke University Development.

During her tenure at DHDAA, Medearis developed a new strategic plan for development and alumni programs, including a campaign plan and budget increases. The university-wide Duke Forward campaign was launched in September 2012, with a goal of $3.25B. The Duke Health fund raising goal of $1.2B was surpassed with $1.4B raised at the conclusion of the campaign in June 2017.

Medearis and her team have established a comprehensive faculty engagement program, a new principal gifts program, and a gift officer metrics and training program. In 2014, the DHDAA office was one of just two at the University, outside of the Health System, to conduct a culture survey in order to improve worker satisfaction and productivity. Additional surveys, along with a work culture committee, continue to be a key part of employee engagement.

DHDAA seeks to secure philanthropic support across all of Duke Health, pursuing the priorities of the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, the hospitals, clinical and basic sciences departments.

Hathaway Pendergrass

Hathaway Pendergrass, a native of Carrboro, North Carolina works at Epting and Hackney law firm in Chapel Hill. He joined the firm in September, 2012, and focuses his practice on civil litigation and criminal law. He is a proud graduate of Chapel Hill High School. After high school, he entered UNC-CH, and graduated in 2006 with a BS in Business Administration from the Kenan-Flagler Business program. He entered North Carolina Central School of Law in 2009 where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the North Carolina Central Law Review and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2012.

Hathaway is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Orange & Chatham Justice Initiatives affiliate, former President of the Orange County Rape Crisis Center Board of Directors, former President of the 15B Judicial District Bar, former Board Member of the Orange County Bar, a Teen Court Judge with Volunteers for Youth in Orange County, and volunteers as the attorney for EmPOWERment, Inc. Pendergrass previously served on the Carrboro Planning board, volunteered as the attorney for the Carrboro Farmers’ Market, and served as a volunteer in the 15B Judicial District Guardian Ad Litem program. He also enjoys running, attending Carolina sporting events, and spending time with his wife and kids.

Dr. Bernadette Pelissier

Bernadette Pelissier was born in Senegal, Africa of French parents. She came to the U.S. as an infant and spent most of her childhood in New Jersey. In her early teen years she lived in Damascus, Syria when her father worked for the United Nations.

She came to Chapel Hill in 1975 to study at UNC and received her Ph.D. in Sociology in 1980. Bernadette’s career focused on the evaluation of mental health programs in community and prison settings. She first spent five years in research and evaluation at the Durham County Community Mental Health Center. She subsequently became Chief of Research at the Federal Correctional Institution in Butner and retired in 2006. She directed a multi-center national project evaluating drug treatment programs.

Dr. Pelissier served on eight boards and commissions before her election to the Orange County Board of Commissioners in December 2008. She served two terms on the board and is transitioning to blueberry farming in Cedar Grove. Bernadette plans to grow additional fruit crops to help supply the micro-winery being started by her son and daughter on the family farm.

Bruce Runberg

Bruce L Runberg was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota. He attended the Naval Academy and served in the Civil Engineer Corps of the Navy for 28 years, retiring as a Captain. He then served at UNC Chapel Hill as Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Services for 24 years, retiring in 2015.

Bruce was stationed in Vietnam, Scotland, Japan, Hawaii, Washington DC, Rhode Island, and Charleston, SC. His duties included public works, design/construction contract administration, Seabee Battalions and miscellaneous facilities related services.
He served at UNC from 1992 to 2015. This was during a time of great growth when facilities doubled in square footage, primarily due to the Higher Education Bond Program.

Bruce has a BS from USNA, a MSCE from the University of Minnesota, and a MSMGT from Salve Regina in Newport, RI. He has served on the Chapel Hill Planning Board, the Community Home Trust, as President of the Chapel Hill Rotary, Project Manager for the new American Legion Post 6 Building, and is Co-Chair of the Orange County Veterans Memorial.

John Sawyer-Byrd

John Sawyer-Byrd, a native of Troy NC, who currently lives in Chapel Hill is the Executive Director, Market Access at Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading pharmaceutical company. John has spent the majority of his career working in the pharmaceutical industry for Eli Lilly, Astellas and GlaxoSmithKline. His interests are in appropriate patient access to medications through the communication of economic and health outcomes evidence to healthcare decision makers within population health (health plans and integrated delivery networks).

John is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy. John also holds a Master of Business of Administration from the University of Memphis. He currently serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in the Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy.

John lives in Chapel Hill with his husband (Daniel), son (Nicholas) and their three pups (Maitland, Rusty and Mini). He also has two adult children – Elizabeth (Durham NC) and Alex (Wilmington NC).

Jackie Tanner

Mary Carter Taub

Mary Carter Taub is an artist living in Chapel Hill, NC. She has 25 years experience making large-scale, site based work and community based work. Past projects include free-standing artwork, designs that create purpose of place, public artwork integrated into existing structures and collaborative artwork built in partnership with community. Her work has been commissioned by Town of Chapel Hill, UNC – Chapel Hill, Duke University, Wake Forest University, City of Raleigh, Town of Cary, NC Arts Council, TEDx, Red Hat, PTI Airport in Greensboro, Nashville International Airport in Tennessee, Bay Area Discovery Museum in California, and 92nd Street Y in New York.

Carter Taub holds an MFA from School of Visual Arts in New York in 1994, an MBA from Thunderbird, School of Global Management at Arizona State University in 2001, and a BA from Meredith College in North Carolina in 1992.

Charlotte Walton

Charlotte, a native of the North Carolina Piedmont, has an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from UNC Chapel Hill.

She has over 20 years of experience in accounting services. She served as the Chief Financial Officer for Merge Records for 10 years. Most recently she is the Principal for Lakewood Business Services which provides accounting and consulting services to small local businesses, starts-ups and non-profits. She enjoys teaching small business owners about accounting.

Charlotte is dedicated to community service and has served on various non-profit boards other than The ArtsCenter.

Publications

Performance Season

ArtSchool

ArtsCamp

Annual Reports

The ArtsCenter Annual Report 2015
The ArtsCenter Annual Report 2016
The ArtsCenter Annual Report 2017
The ArtsCenter Annual Report 2018

Job Opportunities

ArtsCamp Instructor

Pay: $25/hr

The ArtsCenter in Carrboro is looking for Youth Instructors for summer camps! We offer week-long half-day camps in the visual and performing arts. We are especially looking for instructors for our Little Campers in grades K-2 as well as theatre and movement instructors for all ages.

While a strong interest in teaching youth is an absolute “must,” we’re also looking for teaching artists who have a dedication and passion for their subject matter and an artistic practice of their own. Previous teaching experience is highly recommended but not required.

If you are interested in being a youth instructor at the ArtsCenter, please contact Heather Tatreau, Director of Education & Community Engagement: htatreau@artscenterlive.org.

Box Office Associate

Box Office Associate – Part time position in a dynamic work environment in the creative/arts sector.

The ArtsCenter is a 501(c)(3) Arts Education non-profit in Carrboro, North Carolina which offers classes,
performances, youth arts programs, and art exhibits year-round. Our vision is to create an educational environment that
provides opportunities, inspiration, and tools to people of all ages and skill levels to participate in the arts.

• Our facilities include a 300-seat theater, classrooms, a dance studio, a 75-seat multi-use/performance space, and
an art gallery.
• We are the single largest employer of artists in Orange County.
• We serve more than 100,000 students and citizens each year with arts classes, an after-school arts program,
summer arts camps, live performances, artist residencies, school shows, venue rentals, gallery exhibits, and an
annual craft fair.
• We are one of two venues in Carrboro that host national touring acts.

The Position:
• The Box Office Associate position is a part-time position with a pay rate of $14/hour.
• Box Office Associates work approximately 15 hours a week in regular shifts.
• Weekday evening and weekend shifts are required.
• The ArtsCenter offers dynamic work experience in the non-profit Arts Education and Performing Arts sectors.
• The Box Office Associate position requires a strong background in customer service, sales, and office
administration. A minimum of two years in customer service experience is required.
• Experience with Salesforce/PatronManager or similar data-management software is preferred.
• A minimum two years of experience in cash handling/accounts receivable is required.

Responsibilities:
• Responsibilities include the following: providing superior customer service to all ArtsCenter patrons, processing
ticket orders in person, by phone, and by email; using multiple points of sale to process purchases of classes,
performances, memberships, artworks, etc; responding to patron inquiries related to ticketing and sales;
processing incoming telephone calls (taking messages and following up with patrons if necessary); software related troubleshooting; daily shift reporting and reconciliation; performance contract settlement; office administration; daily opening and closing procedures; and some show promotion, show running, and facilities
care.

To Apply:
Please send resume to Munsie Davis at mdavis@artscenterlive.org, no phone calls please. Applications will be
reviewed on a rolling basis. Local candidates only please

Volunteer

For information on how to volunteer at The ArtsCenter, email info@artscenterlive.org

Social Media Internship (unpaid)

The ArtsCenter is a 501(c)(3) Arts Education non-profit located in Carrboro, North Carolina which offers classes, performances, and art exhibits all year round. The ArtsCenter facilities include a 250-seat theater, classrooms and studios, a 100-seat performance space, and an art gallery. The ArtsCenter is the single largest employer of artists in Orange County and serves more than 35,000 students and citizens throughout the area.

Qualifications

•The most beneficial skills for The ArtsCenter social media intern should be strong writing and communication skills, the ability to perform meticulous tasks, as well as an eye for design

•Strong interest in social media and content creation

•Excellent written and organizational skills

•Comfortable with phone or DSLR photography

•Experience with the graphic design platform Canva (samples will be requested)

•Professional experience with marketing on major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn)

•Strong interest in issues impacting the arts and arts education

•Comfort with communicating (telephone, video, and email)

•Excellent customer engagement and service skills

•Skilled in research for social media

•Strong organizational skills

•The ideal marketing candidate can manage priorities among many different tasks and projects, be creative in their work, and have an earnest interest in working with a close team

Responsibilities

•This potion will report to the Director of Marketing throughout its duration

•The ArtsCenter’s overarching goal is to enlist and mobilize 1 million arts advocates as members

•Manage social media outlets, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

•Create a social media calendar and tactical plan to increase engagement throughout the contract

•Brainstorm ideas to increase social media following on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

•Research other social media outlets for The ArtsCenter to use

•Create engaging social media posts, blogs, pictures, or videos

•Update the department weekly on the increase in followers and other metrics

•Help create graphics for social media

•Conduct research for the organization

•Outreach and develop relationships with local art and patron communities

•DEI, Field Research, Social Media Expansion, etc

Our Values and Culture

The ArtsCenter is a workplace where professionalism merges with creativity. Our mission is to create and maintain an environment where artists, art lovers and enthusiasts can bring their confidence, skills, and knowledge to build a community where kids and adults can respectfully engage in artistic exploration.

Gallery Coordinator

The Gallery Coordinator is responsible for managing and selecting local and regional artists for The ArtsCenter’s gallery space at 400 Roberson. This position is part-time, 10hrs a week at $16.34 per hour and reports to the Deputy Director

Responsibilities include:

Administration

Engage the local and regional arts community to identify artists to exhibit in ArtsCenter Gallery.
Correspond with Education Team and Production Manager to ensure there are no space conflicts e.g. events or programs that may impact the gallery exhibit install and taking the art down when talking dates with prospective artists.
Manage artist contracts with the artists which includes date for installation, reception date, artist fee 85%/ArtsCenter 15%, price list and deinstallation date.
Provides photos and blurbs of upcoming exhibits to Marketing to post on our website. Work with marketing to create FaceBook events, and social media awareness for the artists to send to their contacts about the opening reception.
Plan monthly exhibition reception for showcased artists. Set up refreshments for reception, greet guests and handle sales (if the box office is unavailable), and help artists with any clean up after the show.
Coordinate de-installation with artists and install the next show in a timely manner so that the walls are not empty for more than three days.

Potential Growth Ideas for The ArtsCenter’s Galleries

Help generate greater awareness/access for lesser established local artists for display opportunities.
Help establish the gallery space as a community destination for artists and patrons.
Develop a Summer and Winter Community Art Exhibit event.
Develop Evenings with the Artist events where patrons and budding artists can have a talk back session.
Establish a college student showcase for emerging artists.
Strategize with Deputy Director on best approach to ticketing for events.

Please email resume and cover letter to mbettger@artscenterlive.org

Visitor Info & Accessibility

Box Office Hours

Monday through Friday: 9am – 9pm except during showtimes
Saturday: 10am – 5pm

The ArtsCenter is closed for the following Holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & the day after, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, we observe it the previous Friday. If it falls on a Sunday, we observe it the following Monday.

Tickets to performances and classes are available at the Box Office during Box Office hours in person or by phone, (919) 929-2787, extension 0. Tickets to performances, classes and camp registration are available online any time. (Sales tax and a handling fee are assessed per ticket; these fees are the same regardless of purchase method.)

Student and Senior (62+) pricing are available for select events, but these tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office with appropriate ID.

Click here for complete Terms and Conditions >

Accessibility

The ArtsCenter is committed to embracing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 in order to make access and inclusion in the arts an everyday practice in our facility. Upon request, The ArtsCenter will provide accommodation towards individuals with disabilities, ensuring an optimal experience for all visitors.

Parking

Plenty of parking is available! You may park directly in front of the ArtsCenter or in the new parking deck directly (to the east) behind the Hampton Inn. The lot and deck are free with unlimited time restrictions on weeknights after 5:30pm and all day on the weekends. Monday through Friday the lot and deck, while still free, are restricted to 3 hour limits between the hours of 8am – 5:30pm. If you are visiting The ArtsCenter and plan on staying for more than 3 hours, you may pick up a temporary parking pass from our box office attendant.

Click here for a map of public parking in Carrboro >

Rent The ArtsCenter

The ArtsCenter’s theaters, studios/classrooms, and gallery are available for your event.

We offer a variety of venue options that cater to nearly any type of function including, but not limited to: concerts, theater events, dances, video & photo shoots, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, business/organizational meetings, movie premieres, seminars, rehearsals, memorial services, galas, university functions…you name it! We invite you to let us assist in making your function the best it can be.

Please contact Tracy Francis at tfrancis@artscenterlive.org for information regarding rates and availability.

FAQ/General Information for Venue Rentals

Which venues does The ArtsCenter rent?

The ArtsCenter rents The Earl and Rhoda Wynn Theater, The West End Theater, The Nicholson Gallery, and four separate studio/classroom spaces.

What are the specs for each of The ArtsCenter’s venues?

Tech specs can be found below this FAQ. Studios/classrooms vary in size and shape and can accommodate 8-15 people each, depending on the way they are set up.

How do I inquire about a venue’s availability?

Please contact our Deputy Director, Mark Bettger, at mbettger@artscenterlive.org for information regarding venue rates and availability.

What kinds of events can The ArtsCenter accommodate?

We offer a variety of venue options that cater to nearly any type of function including, but not limited to, concerts, theater events, video & photo shoots, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, business/ organizational meetings, movie premieres, seminars, rehearsals, memorial services, galas, dances, and university functions.

How far in advance does The ArtsCenter book its venues?

We recommend starting the booking process at least three months in advance. We require a minimum of two weeks’ notice for rentals.

What is The ArtsCenter’s policy on holding or reserving dates?

The ArtsCenter requires a nonrefundable deposit equivalent to half of the total rental fee along with a signed rental contract and a certificate of insurance (COI) to hold or reserve a date. As a courtesy, The ArtsCenter may issue a “soft hold” on an available date while the initial discussions about a potential rental take place, but a soft hold does not guarantee the venue’s availability.

How much will my rental cost?

The total rental fee for an event is calculated based on the access hours in each venue (access hours include the time necessary for load-in, set up, program, and clean up) multiplied by that venue’s hourly rental rate; a standard staffing fee; and any applicable fees from our menu of optional services. In most cases, we require a refundable cleaning deposit to be submitted with each rental contract.

Costs will be calculated on a case-by-case basis after you contact The ArtsCenter’s Deupty Director, Mark Bettger, at mbettger@artscenterlive.org, to discuss availability.

What are the various venues’ base rates?

Earl and Rhoda Wynn Theater: $115/hr
West End Theater: $95/hr
Nicholson Gallery: $95/hr
Classrooms and studios: $55/hr

+$15/hr staffing fee

Inquire about discounts for certified nonprofit organizations with a current 501(c)(3) status.

How does payment work?

Once the rental date(s), access times, and the total rental fee are established, a rental contract is issued detailing the agreement and The ArtsCenter’s rental policies. A nonrefundable deposit equivalent to 50% of the total rental fee is due with the signed rental contract, a certificate of insurance (COI), and a cleaning deposit*. Once these items are collected, the date(s) will be held for the rental.

The remaining 50% of the total rental fee is due on the day of the rental. (If a rental includes a contiguous range of dates, the remaining percentage of the total rental fee is due on the first day of that range. If a rental includes isolated dates across a span of multiple weeks or months, a payment plan for that interval will be established in the rental contract.)

The ArtsCenter can process rental payments by check (made payable to The ArtsCenter), credit card, or cash.

*In most cases, a refundable cleaning deposit will be assessed for each rental. We ask that a separate check (made out to The ArtsCenter) is submitted for this deposit. The cleaning deposit check will be held and deposited only if The ArtsCenter must clean the venue after the event.

What is the “certificate of insurance” (COI) required with the contract and deposit?

We need a certificate serving as proof of liability insurance with The ArtsCenter named as “additional insured” on that policy. You can obtain this certificate from your insurance provider; usually it only involves a quick phone call.

Once a contract is in place, can I extend the access hours for my rental if I decide I need more time?

No. The rental access period begins and ends at the times agreed upon in advance and designated in the rental contract. Staffing and scheduling decisions are based on the contracted rental access period, so it is important to adhere to the hours specified in advance. Adherence to the contracted rental access period helps keep our rental fees consistent and fair for all renters. When planning your event, please keep in mind that your rental access period must include all time necessary for load-in, set up, program, and clean up.

Does The ArtsCenter provide an event planner?

No. Renters are responsible for planning their events and/or securing assistance from an outside event planner. While The ArtsCenter is happy to help renters realize their plans, we cannot take on a conceptual role in that process.

What is the staffing/personnel fee for?

The staffing/personnel fee covers the costs required to keep the building open during an event. It may include a Box Office Associate and/or a House Manager. While ArtsCenter staff can help advise and coordinate set up on the day of an event, renters should plan to execute their own set up and clean up.

What optional services are available?

Optional services include the following:

AV (sound/light) technician: $125 flat fee (covers up to 5 hours)
Ticketing/event listing: $100 flat fee
Baldwin grand piano backline rental (Wynn Theater only): $150 flat fee
Piano tuning prior to your event (Wynn Theater only): $150 flat fee
Projector rental: $30 flat fee
Bar service: $15/hour*

*If a renter supplies outside alcohol, a $175 corkage fee is assessed in the rental contract.

What marketing and promotional resources are available through The ArtsCenter?

Renters are responsible for promoting and publicizing their own events. The “ticketing/event listing” item on the optional services menu above includes setup of an event splash page including a description of your event and a link to our online ticket vendor. Additional marketing services may be available from The ArtsCenter’s Marketing Department on a case-by-case basis depending on the Marketing Department’s work load.

Does The ArtsCenter have an exclusive contract with specific caterers and vendors?

No. The ArtsCenter does not currently have an exclusive contract with any one caterer or vendor for rental events in our venues.

Can The ArtsCenter recommend some caterers and vendors?

Yes. We can often recommend local caterers and vendors which may be suited to your event.

May I broadcast or record my event at The ArtsCenter?

We ask that renters inform us in advance if their event will produce broadcast, audio, or visual recordings made at The ArtsCenter. The ArtsCenter should be acknowledged in all credits as “The ArtsCenter, Carrboro, NC.”

May I use The ArtsCenter’s tables and chairs in my event setup?

Yes. Renters are welcome to use The ArtsCenter’s tables and chairs for their event. The ArtsCenter has banquet-style folding tables and some smaller café tables, all of which are available depending on programming elsewhere in the building. We recommend that renters supply their own tablecloths. All furniture should be returned to its original configuration at the end of an event as a part of the cleanup process.

Do your venues have WiFi access?

The ArtsCenter has a free public WiFi network which is accessible throughout most of the building. The WiFi network can be accessed from the two theaters, the gallery, and two of the four studio/classroom spaces.

Where are The ArtsCenter’s venues located?

All our venues are in the same building in downtown Carrboro, NC. Our address is 300-G East Main St, Carrboro NC 27510.

Is parking available?

Yes. The Town of Carrboro supplies public parking in a variety of locations convenient to The ArtsCenter, including the first two floors of a parking deck adjacent to and behind the building, and in a lot at the end of the block to the west. In addition, there is a parking lot with hourly parking spaces directly in front of the 300-G East Main complex.

The Wynn Theater

A view of the stage of the Wynn Theatre from the audience

The Earl & Rhoda Wynn Theater is a 300 seat theatre. It features a 32’x28′ stage, triangular 40’x30′ dance floor, full P.A., stage lighting and a permanently mounted 12×12′ film screen with projector. This venue is ideal for large scale events and meetings.

The West End Theater

A performance in The ArtsCenter's West End Theatre

The West End Theater is a 105 seat (max) room complete with a 15’x15’ stage, P.A., stage lighting, film screen with projector, and an available kitchen.

The Nicholson Gallery

The Nicholson Gallery is the perfect reception area to accommodate any function. The high ceiling, sky lighting, and artwork adorning the walls add to the allure of the space.