FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2023

SAVE THE DATE FOR BIG NIGHT IN FOR THE ARTS 2024
Presented by WRAL and Four Triangle Arts Organizations on March 7 

Featuring locally and nationally known artists with ties to the region
 

[Raleigh, NC—] On March 7, 2024, local arts agencies from Wake, Durham, Chatham, and Orange counties will once again partner with WRAL to present Big Night In for the Arts, a regional fundraising initiative with a superstar line-up including locally and nationally known artists with ties to the Triangle.  

Now in its fourth year, Big Night In has raised more than $798,000 to ensure that arts and culture will continue to thrive and remain a part of what makes our region a unique place to live. This year we are hoping to reach $1 million for the arts! 

“WRAL takes great pride in our commitment to fostering the vibrant arts community that enriches the cultural tapestry of our region. Participating in the Big Night In for the Arts fundraiser has been a source of immense joy for our team,” said Don Ursich, WRAL Production Manager and Producer of Big Night In For The Arts. “The success of this initiative reflects not only the generosity of our viewers but also the shared belief in the transformative power of the arts. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Big Night In for the Arts and remain dedicated to championing the arts for years to come.” 

Big Night In for the Arts 2024 will include a Triangle-wide watch party in addition to the WRAL broadcast.  Big Night In sponsors at all levels will be invited to the in-person watch party to celebrate the arts in our region with live performances, drinks, food, and more at the Durham Arts Council’s PSI Theater in Downtown Durham, NC.   

Everyone is invited to tune in to WRAL or WRAL.com to watch the show at 7:00 p.m. on March 7, 2024.  

The arts in our region are vital to our economy and quality of life in the Triangle. According to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6, an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, the Triangle-wide nonprofit arts and cultural sector generated $894.7 million in economic activity in 2022 and provided 14,577 jobs.  

“United Arts is excited to be a part of this regional fundraiser celebrating and supporting the artists and arts organizations throughout the Triangle,” said Jennifer McEwen, President and CEO of United Arts in Wake County. “Our creative communities are crucial to the overall health of our economy. Not only do the arts entertain and inspire us, but they also contribute to the economic growth of our region by creating jobs, encouraging tourism, and generating revenue.” 

Arts supporters can join the effort prior to the event as sponsors or donate live during the event. Those who enjoy the arts across the Triangle can make a gift to benefit the four counties collectively or designate which specific county they would like to support. The sponsor deadline is February 3, 2024.  

Tune in to WRAL on March 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. and show your support of the arts! For more information visit https://bignightin.org/  

Contact Lisa McIntosh, Director of Communications, at [email protected] with any questions and follow @UnitedArtsWake for updates.

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About Big Night In for the Arts:  

Born out of a love and respect for the arts, Big Night In for the Arts is a regional fundraising event to ensure that arts and culture will continue to thrive and remain part of what makes our region a unique place to live. Arts agencies from Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties have joined together in support of a mutual cause. In partnership with WRAL-TV, the Chatham Arts Council, the Durham Arts Council, the Orange County Arts Commission, and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County are working together to maximize efforts to rally robust financial support for artists and arts/cultural organizations during Big Night In. For more information, please visit bignightin.org 

About United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County: 

The United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County is designated by the Wake County Commissioners and the North Carolina Arts Council as the official local arts agency for Wake County. As a private nonprofit, United Arts has worked for more than 30 years to build a better Raleigh and Wake County through the support of and advocacy for the arts. United Arts partners with businesses, individuals, foundations, and government to provide life-changing arts programming and support to our schools and community, resources and opportunities for artists, and arts integration training for teachers. Learn more at UnitedArts.org  

About WRAL-TV’S Parent Company:  

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.