United Arts began in 1962 with the formation of the Raleigh Cultural Center which later became known as the Wake County Arts Council. In 1990, the organization merged with the Capital Area Arts Foundation to become United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, the official arts agency of Wake County. In 1990-1991, Henry Bowers…
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Festival Brings Wake County Musician Home Again
This week students and teachers at Forestville Elementary in Knightdale welcomed the all-female bluegrass band, Fox Crossing Stringband from Chicago, for an engaging Bluegrass in Schools performance. The talented trio featured Despina Pafralides on fiddle, Allison Branch on guitar, and Wake County’s own Cassie Wright on dobro and banjo. Cassie is excited to be back…
The Transformative Power of the Arts: Nurturing the Growth of Students with Special Needs
Every student has unique strengths and deserves to have an environment that enables them to flourish. For students with special cognitive needs, the arts offer a remarkable pathway to self-expression, personal growth, and academic success. Cognitive diversity often means that traditional teaching methods may not resonate with every student. The arts engage multiple senses, making…
Grantee Spotlight: Hum Sub
The Hindi phrase “Hum Sub” means “All of us.” For over 15 years, United Arts has proudly supported the aptly named Hum Sub, a non-profit Indian-American cultural organization. In 2001, Hum Sub was founded by a group of Indian Americans living in the Triangle to address the growing need to share India’s diverse and colorful heritage with the local…
Students Harp(e) Diem During Residency
This month students at Powell Magnet Elementary were treated to a special one-time school project grant from United Arts where students took their magnet theme, “Play and Ingenuity,” to “harp!” They learned how to make working harps from cardboard, metal, wood, brightly colored paint, and nylon strings with professional musicians Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop.…
Honoring Black History
February is Black History Month, a tradition that started in the Jim Crow era and was officially recognized in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. It is a time to honor the contributions the Black community has made throughout U.S. history — from civil rights leaders and artists to politicians and entrepreneurs. Each year…
Reflections on 2022
Looking back on 2022, United Arts has much to be grateful for this year. Thanks to our partnerships with Wake County, Wake schools, Wake municipalities, the NC Arts Council, individual and corporate supporters, and so many more, we were able to: Facilitate 10-week paid internships for five undergraduate students from backgrounds underrepresented in arts leadership Create new…
New Rocking Musical Added to Artists in Schools
Half gazelle, half elephant and 100% rockstar, Giselle la Trent the Gazellephant teaches students friendship, acceptance, and the importance of following your dreams. Through catchy songs, over-the-top personalities, and clever dialogue, this children’s musical from Aggregate Theatre based in Raleigh is a wonderful addition to our Artists in Schools (AIS) program. United Arts got a…
Creating a Pathway to Arts Leadership
Many times the pathway to leadership is not always clear – especially in the arts. You cannot be what you cannot see. When more people from different backgrounds are represented at the top levels of arts management, young people have recognizable landmarks from their own culture and identity to help create their own career path.…
Reflecting on the Past & Planning for the Future
This past year many local arts organizations and artists in Wake County continue to overcome challenges, demonstrate resiliency, and deliver unique arts experiences, making our community a vibrant place to live. United Arts is dedicated to helping arts and culture organizations create diverse and inclusive arts events, programs, and services that are accessible and equitable…