The ArtsCenter’s
impactful programs

At The ArtsCenter, our impact extends beyond the realm of artistic experiences—we are catalysts for community growth, inclusivity, and lifelong enrichment. Recognizing the arts as a unifying force, we consciously bring together people from varying ages, races, genders, and backgrounds, creating a mosaic of creative minds and fostering a sense of community.

Engaging in the arts does more than ignite creativity—it cultivates holistic well-being. Artistic participation is an antidote to stress, a booster for mental health, and a nourishment for the soul. Guided by this belief, we strive tirelessly to broaden access to these transformative experiences. Through various initiatives and programs, we extend the joy and benefits of the arts to every corner of our community.

Our commitment doesn’t stop at promoting arts education; we actively strive to dismantle barriers and foster enduring, positive connections. Through scholarships, outreach programs, and collaborative partnerships, we continuously work towards nurturing a healthier, more vibrant, and equitable community in Orange County.

Title One Artist In Residency (AIR) Program

Empowering young minds through art
The ArtsCenter’s Artist in Residence (AIR) Program, a partnership with Orange County Schools, is a beacon of artistic opportunity for underserved, ethnically diverse, and low-income students from Orange County's Title One Elementary Schools. Recognizing that over 50% of these students rely on free or reduced lunch programs, we are deeply committed to offering them enriching arts experiences that may otherwise remain out of reach.Through this enhanced initiative focusing on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEI), we instill a sense of belonging in our young artists, reaffirming that access to art and the resources for life success are their right.

This program has been generously supported by Orange County Arts Commission, North Carolina Arts Council, and Duke Health.

Learn more about the AIR program

Our Partnership with the Refugee Community Partnership center

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At The ArtsCenter, we deeply value the richness that diversity and inclusivity bring to our community. We are steadfastly committed to fostering artistic engagement among culturally underserved populations. A testament to this commitment is our meaningful partnership with the Refugee Community Partnership Center, which extends our vibrant arts opportunities to immigrants and refugees from regions such as Burma (Karen), Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.

As part of this initiative, The ArtsCenter provides classroom spaces, art supplies, and fair compensation for teaching artists to lead classes within their art disciplines. To ensure inclusivity, we also offer childcare compensation, allowing parents to fully engage in our classes. The positive feedback from the communities we serve has been overwhelming, spurring us to expand this program to more refugee communities in the future.

Our 2022 program featured two Burmese sewing class sessions, which received such immense popularity that we organized six additional sessions later that year. Looking forward to 2023, our aim is to expand this inclusive initiative to more communities, including the commencement of six Latinx sewing sessions. Together, we’re weaving a tapestry of cultural expression and unity.

The ArtsCenter’s
Innovative MakerSpaces

Unleashing Creative Potential

The ArtsCenter’s MakerSpaces initiatives are dedicated to offering accessible and inclusive environments for creators to breathe life into their ideas. These vibrant spaces invite artists and makers from all walks of life and skill levels to delve into new mediums and collaborate with fellow creatives in a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and resources, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and sewing machines, our MakerSpaces cater to a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting your artistic journey, we offer various programming options to meet your needs. Join a class to learn new skills or take advantage of open studio time to work on your own projects. Our team of talented technicians and artists are on hand to provide guidance and mentorship, ensuring that every maker receives the support they need to turn their visions into reality.

With a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, The ArtsCenter’s MakerSpaces embrace artists and makers of all ages, races, backgrounds, genders, and abilities. We firmly believe that everyone has a unique contribution to make, and our aim is to supply the resources and support required to help them achieve it. Whether you’re an experienced maker or a newcomer, we invite you to join our MakerSpaces and become an integral part of our vibrant and diverse creative community

Learn more about MakerSpaces

The ArtsCenter's Environmental Initiatives

Committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
In 2021, The ArtsCenter received funding from the Orange County Community Climate Action Grant Program which allowed us to install an EV charger and bike racks at our new building. Then in 2022, we received funding from the same grant program, along with a rebate from Duke Energy, another rebate from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and individual contributions, all of which allowed us to install a full rooftop solar system consisting of 178 solar panels. The predicted yearly savings in the first year will be $8,021. This amount will increase each year as utility rates increase. During the warranty period, the estimated savings will be $275,224.

Currently, The ArtsCenter is embarking on a multi-year Rewilding project. Rewilding - A sustainable land practice using ecologically diverse plantings while ensuring a low carbon footprint. We have big plans including a community garden, composting area, water retention area, green roof, native planting, ground cover as mulch and much more. Community engagement will include classes, seminars and workshops. This fall and winter we will offer free events to encourage stewardship in our vision.

The ArtsCenter is grateful to the organizations which have supported our green initiatives.

Be A Part Of Something Bigger
With The ArtsCenter

The ArtsCenter’s Artist in Residence (AIR) Program, a partnership with Orange County Schools, is a beacon of artistic opportunity for underserved, ethnically diverse, and low-income students from Orange County's Title One Elementary Schools. Recognizing that over 50% of these students rely on free or reduced lunch programs, we are deeply committed to offering them enriching arts experiences that may otherwise remain out of reach.Through this enhanced initiative focusing on diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEI), we instill a sense of belonging in our young artists, reaffirming that access to art and the resources for life success are their right.
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Cultivate connections with a diverse and engaged
audience
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Champion programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEAI)
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Boost your organization's reputation as a community-minded leader
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Offer valuable opportunities for your staff and clients to engage in the arts

Become a partner today!

To become a partner, simply fill out our partnership form and we'll be in touch to discuss how we can collaborate to achieve our shared aspirations. Let's create a more vibrant, connected community together!