Photo by Claire Mackman

The National Center for Arts Research has released a ranking of the top 10 most vibrant communities in the medium-size range (populations from 100,000 to 1 million), and the Chapel Hill-Durham Metro Area came in seventh nationwide from more than 900 communities considered.

The NCAR uses a system called the “Arts Vibrancy Index,” which uses factors such as number of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations per capita to determine which areas have the highest incidence of art and culture. Asheville – the only other North Carolina city on the medium community list – ranked fifth.

“We are proud of our local creative energy and are pleased to be recognized as a community that values artistic expression of all kinds,” said Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger in a press release.

Photo by Claire Mackman

As a hub of universities, the Durham-Chapel Hill area is host to strong entrepreneurial culture and benefits from historic preservation efforts. Museums, galleries and performing halls attract local and touring artists alike, and strong student presence continually generates young, fresh viewpoints. Nasher Art Museum, Ackland Art Museum, PlayMakers Repertory Company, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Carolina Performing Arts, and American Dance Festival were either developed at or moved to the area because of the capabilities and support offered by Duke and UNC at Chapel Hill. North Carolina Central University has a strong African American art collection and jazz and performance programs.

Many of the smaller independent organizations draw on the talent that is available through university faculty, adjunct faculty, and instructors. Other area programs dedicated to the arts include an Artists-in-Residence program, a Juried Exhibitions Series at the Chapel Hill Town Hall, and Sculpture Visions. The Durham Performing Arts Center, along with the local bar and club scene, provide a commercial layer of entertainment. The area also hosts the Art of Cool Jazz Festival, and boasts plenty of modern dance and experimental theater venues, including Manbites Dog.

Photo by Claire Mackman

The City and County own or support key arts facilities in the area: the Carolina Theatre, Durham Arts Council Building, Hayti Heritage Center, Durham Performing Arts Center and the Museum of Life & Science. The Durham Arts Council provides grant support for local artists and organizations, some of which is re-granted from the NC Arts Council, which also makes grants directly to several local arts organizations. Recently the area has shown increased willingness to include public art components in large public projects, an interest furthered by the NC Arts Council SmART Initiative. Durham-Chapel Hill ranks among the top 5% of communities in overall Arts Providers and Arts Dollars.”

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