The annual fundraising effort by the Triangle’s county-run arts agencies is back for 2024, as the Big Night In for the Arts program shared its lineup of artists and air date on Tuesday.

The fourth year of the televised show — organized by the Orange County Arts Commission, Chatham County Arts Council, Durham Arts Council and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County — will feature a pair of Grammy-nominated Triangle natives. Folk musician Tift Merritt and hip-hop performer Pierce Freelon are set to make appearances alongside North Carolina artists of other mediums to highlight the region’s arts community, opportunities, and culture.

Big Night In for the Arts’ 2024 program will air on Thursday, March 7, with WRAL once again producing the broadcast. Like in prior years, sponsors can contribute ahead of the program to be included in the telecast and donations will be solicited during the show too.

Joining Merritt and Freelon’s features will be bluegrass musician Tray Wellington, artist and designer Gabriel Eng-Goetz, Latin American dance group Takiri Folclor Latino, and 15-year-old budding filmmaker Jordan Wiley. Each will be highlighted in the telecast to showcase their skills, recent projects, and talk about their experience with the arts in the Triangle. Past featured artists for the show have included Scotty McCreery, Ariana Debose, Mandolin Orange, the Chatham Rabbits, Ben Folds, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Nnenna Freelon — the mother of Pierce.

“We’re especially excited for the fourth Big Night In for the Arts,” said Orange County Arts Commission Director Katie Murray, “as we will hopefully meet our goal of raising $1 million for the arts through this important event. I’m also excited since so many of this year’s featured artists not only represent their home county, but represent the entire Triangle community through their engagement throughout the region.”

Big Night In for the Arts began in 2021 as a way for people to support the arts after the initial stages of isolation as COVID-19 spread in North Carolina. Across its three years of fundraising, the arts agencies have amassed more than $798,000 from the programming. This year, according to Tuesday’s announcement, the goal is to cross the total of $1 million raised since the event’s inception.

Additionally, the four arts organizations are bringing an in-person element to the fundraising campaign this year. Sponsors at all levels of Big Night In will be invited to a watch party of the telecast at the Durham Arts Council’s PSI Theater downtown. Beyond the broadcast, there will also be live performances, food and drinks at the event.

The 2024 Big Night In for the Arts will air at 7 p.m. on March 7, with a sponsorship deadline set for Friday, February 16. More details about the program can be found on the event’s website.

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