Community members share their vision for a cultural arts center in Alamance County
By Linda Gupton
Photo Credit: Charles Gupton
Does Alamance County need a cultural arts center?
That’s the question the For Alamance Arts & Culture Team posed at an open house this fall at First Christian United Church of Christ near downtown Burlington. Hosting the event in the historic church, which is now for sale, was central to the team’s exploration of whether it could serve as historical and cultural centerpiece for the community.
More than 150 people turned out for the open house, offering their feedback on both the need for a center and the site’s potential.
“This building has good bones, and I can see so much potential,” said Jane Wellford, a retired Elon professor.
Tammy Cobb, executive director of Alamance Arts, agreed. “This building has great potential for connecting the arts, culture and history of Alamance County,” she said. “We need more workspaces for artists to convene, as well as expanded space for holding classes.”
“I think this is a great project for the community, something that could really bring people together,” added James Shields, who is affiliated with the African-American Cultural Arts and History Center in Burlington.
Defining the kind of community people want
Attendees were asked to fill-out a feedback form about the type of community they want to live in and how a cultural arts center could enhance life in Alamance County. Respondents overwhelmingly described a desire for a diverse, inclusive, vibrant and welcoming community — one that promotes respect, belonging, common interests and both independence and interdependence. Many noted that the arts help cultivate inclusion through creative, caring programs and activities.
Several people pointed to a perceived “disconnect” among residents due to local growth and demographic change. Some recommended resources and opportunities for dialogue, shared activity and cooperative work. Others stated that thriving communities must first ensure its residents are safe, healthy and have access to affordable housing, nutrition, programs and resources.
Many stressed that all residents in the community need to be represented, appreciated and supported with a wide breadth of ways to engage, regardless of faith, social affiliation, ability, age, interest or identity. They also noted Alamance already boasts strong parks, sports and faith communities; the arts deserve equal recognition as engines of community building.
Another recurring theme was the need to blend old and new, past and future. Several respondents indicated that an ideal community recognizes, respects and appreciates its historic spaces and influences. At the same time communities must anticipate the future and provide an array of new and creative ideas and experiences.
Defining the center’s offerings
Suggestions for the center’s programming reflected the community’s values. Most want a place where residents of all ages can collaboratively engage, learn, nurture, celebrate, express and exhibit the diversity of talents and cultures represented by Alamance residents.
Some emphasized the need for pairing local history with future creativity: creating spaces to share the art and stories of Alamance’s past alongside programs that nurture the next generation of artists. Respondents prioritized a gathering place that’s affordable, accessible and welcoming to artists, audiences and the general public, and that ensures everyone is seen and heard.
Several comments proposed that the center’s administration be independent and not controlled by a select few. Attendees also offered ideas for activities, building design and use of space across both visual and performing arts, and cited existing arts centers that could serve as models.
Making it a reality
Participants identified key needs to create such a space:
- listen to the public’s needs and ideas through open conversations with a diverse representation of Alamance residents, including those who are generally not heard.
- establish wide community support
- build a core team of energetic, creative people working together
- find a versatile building that can be adapted to multiple art areas and be accessible to all
- involve multiple community arts-based organizations (e.g., community theatre groups, arts council, historical society, Preservation Alamance)
- gain local government buy-in and support
- ensure compliance with regulations and permits
- procure through fundraising efforts, partnerships and grants
Next steps
The Arts & Culture Team plans to:
- involve government and community leaders to establish buy-in and support
- build a coalition of committed individuals and organizations
- visit and learn from established cultural arts centers
- establish forums for listening to community needs and ideas
- investigate funding sources including partnerships, grants, and fundraising opportunities
“The open house demonstrated the enthusiasm and need for a cultural arts hub in the area,” said Cheryl Wilder, Arts & Culture Team co-leader. “We’ve been talking with community members for over two years now, and one takeaway is that they would like to see different organizations working alongside local government to create a shared public space that supports and celebrates Alamance County arts and culture, past and present.”
“The open house showed that their voices were heard and taken seriously. We have tremendous talent in the area. There is an opportunity here to uplift our local artists and artisans, nurture local students’ artistic goals, and contribute to the local cultural enrichment and economic development.”
About For Alamance
For Alamance is a partnership among Alamance County community members, Impact Alamance and The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. The initiative’s goal is to inspire community members to work together despite their differences to build a better Alamance. Five action teams — the Arts & Culture Team, Bridging Team, Faith Team, Narrative Team and Youth Wellness Team — have been gathering public knowledge since early 2023 and are now taking action rooted in community aspirations.
Get Involved
To learn more about the Arts & Culture Team, please contact Cheryl Wilder at bornwilder@gmail.com. To learn more about the For Alamance Initiative, please contact Jewel Tillman at jewel.tillman@conehealth.com.
