Header image: NCAC staff at ARTS Day. Photo courtesy of Arts NC and NC Arts Council.
Happy spring! As the season unfolds, I hope you’re finding moments to enjoy the beautiful weather and the vibrant arts opportunities in your community. Spring is always a busy time at the Arts Council, highlighted each year by ARTS Day, the annual conference presented by Arts North Carolina.
This year’s conference, on May 12 and 13, brought together arts leaders and advocates for two days of learning and connection. Attendees heard inspiring, informative messages from a range of speakers and enjoyed moving performances by Hannah Hasan, Paperhand Puppet Project, and Africa Unplugged. North Carolina Arts Council Deputy Director Vicki Vitiello participated in a panel discussion titled “The State of Funding in a Changing Environment.” She was joined by Enrique Rosell, of the Knight Foundation; David Heinen, vice president for public policy and advocacy at the NC Center for Nonprofits; and Mimi O’Brien, executive director of the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation. Artspace president and chief executive officer Carly Jones moderated the conversation.
On May 13, the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) and the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs hosted a special screening of the documentary We Lift Each Other in the DNCR auditorium. Directed by Lou Pepe and Keith Fulton, the film highlights Black Box Dance Theatre’s work with veterans and the healing effects of dance. Read more about the screening.
In April, Arts Council leadership, board members, and staff gathered in Spruce Pine for our annual spring board meeting. The visit allowed us to spend time with our wonderful hosts at Toe River Arts and Penland School of Craft, learn more about ongoing Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, and meet with local artists. During the meeting, Stephen Hill—who was appointed board chair by Governor Roy Cooper in 2017—stepped down and welcomed new chair Sejal Mehta. Stephen will continue serving on the board and on the executive committee. I am grateful for his dedication and remarkable leadership, and I look forward to working with Sejal in her new role.
Spring is also the season when our staff and grant panels review applications for the 2026–2027 cycle. Staff members have worked hard to assist applicants with their proposals and help them navigate OPAL, our new grant portal. We are proud to support organizations across the state as they continue making North Carolina a vibrant place to live and experience the arts.
Last, I invite you to join us for Capitol 250 NC: Freedom Fest on July 4 at the Capitol grounds, in Raleigh. This family-friendly event, hosted by DNCR and the NC Department of Commerce, will feature live music, food trucks, and more.