Header image: American Indian Heritage Commission Director Kerry Bird and 2025/26 Miss Indian North Carolina Page Freeman at the American Indian Heritage Celebration on November 22. Photo by Andie Freeman / North Carolina Arts Council
Topics Related to Arts Across NC
Header image: At the Community First premiere of We Lift Each Other in Asheville, Black Box Dance Theatre founding member and U.S. Army veteran Alfredo Hurtado led performers in signing “Show Up” during the curtain call. Photos by Solaris Foto / Dave & Niki McMahan, and courtesy of Black Box Dance Theatre
Thirty years ago, visionary leaders launched A+ Schools of North Carolina after recognizing the powerful role the arts were playing in classrooms. Drawing from their diverse life experiences, these leaders came together to shape and grow a model of arts-integrated education—one that would evolve into the whole-school transformation approach that A+ Schools represents today.
Header image: Craft Your Commerce book club. Image courtesy of Mountain Bizworks
It’s time to get into the holiday spirit and #shoplocal to support our North Carolina communities! Artists and artisans work hard all year but at the holidays, they really show up to share their beautiful work. Visit events across the state in November and December to enjoy and support the arts!
Header image: Santos de palo figurines.Photo courtesy of the Mint Museum
Header image: Multimedia artist Jenny Pickens. Photo courtesy of the artist.When disaster strikes, it disrupts life in ways that overshadow everything else. For Jenny Pickens, a multimedia artist based in Asheville, Hurricane Helene was just one of several challenges she faced last fall.
Header image: Photo by Sara Ridings, courtesy of A+ Schools of North Carolina / North Carolina Arts Council. As A+ Schools celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, we’re highlighting the voices of those who experience its impact every day. Teachers, administrators, and students shared what they love about A+ and how this transformative model has enriched their teaching and learning environments.
Header image: Students working together on a class project at Royal Oaks School of the Arts in Kannapolis, N.C. Royal Oaks is part of the A+ Schools of North Carolina network. Photo by Tibor Nemeth.We know that exposure to the arts positively impacts a child’s school experience, boosting retention, empathy, and overall satisfaction. Yet, convincing parents, administrators, and the public of the arts' importance to student performance can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. When it’s time to educate others about the value of the arts, here are five fast facts to share:
This summer, we welcomed Adrianna Long, a student intern from Durham and a recent graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She participated in a 10-week paid summer internship administered by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for students from the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions of Higher Education (MIHEs). Adrianna graduated from the visual arts program and has a special interest in arts administration.