Arts Center

Artschool serves as the largest resource in orange county for learners of all ages to explore their artistic capacity and creativity. Sessions are offered quarterly throughout the year at various skill levels in areas such as painting, digital arts, writing, ceramics, improv, fiber arts, dance, 3d printing, laser cutting, photography and more. Through this program, local professional teaching artists encourage emerging artists and increase community appreciation of the arts. In 2024, artschool offered 321 classes serving residents of the greater triangle area including durham, hillsborough, pittsboro, apex, mebane, and raleigh. Program participants learn new skills while also developing fuller and more empathetic perspectives on other cultures and viewpoints. These experiences create a sense of community that is healthy, vibrant and equitable.

The performances program aims to create an inspiring theater experience to both artists and patrons. Performances and events are curated to focus on local talent who bring music, improv, puppetry, theater and dance to the artscenter's stage. 2024 was the first full year for performances in the artscenter's new home; the new space offers flexible seating and updated technical equipment. The performance space is also rented to outside organizations such as departments at unc-ch and other nonprofit partners. Individuals may rent the space for private events such as parties, weddings, and end-of-life celebrations.

The artscenter's artist in residence program places local professional teaching artists in all five of the orange county school district's title one elementary schools to enrich the existing curriculum through arts education, engagement and joy making. Air is a collaboration between orange county schools, orange county government and the artscenter and serves approximately 2,200 students by bringing 5-day artist-in-residencies to grades k-5. Additionally, each school enjoys two professional theater performance shows. These arts experiences are offered at no cost to the individual schools or families.the artscenter contains two art galleries that are open free-of-charge to the public and host exhibitions that rotate every six weeks. The exhibitions are curated to offer new perspectives and glimpses into diverse, cultural experiences in various media from local and regional artists. During 2nd friday artwalks, the gallery brings hundreds of visitors to the artscenter, where they experience the art of both established and up-and-coming artists. While in the space, visitors also learn of the many offerings of the artscenter and often have the chance to experience an art making opportunity and/or a performance.