Arts groups from Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill have decided that it’s time to give the Triangle arts scene a facelift—or at least a makeover.
Golden Belt, CAM/now and the Cotton Room are sponsoring the first-ever Triangle Arts Mixer to encourage a fresh batch of artists and art enthusiasts to discover, celebrate and advance the already booming Triangle arts scene.
The event was brainstormed by members of CAM/now, a group of young professionals that is part of the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh. Together with Golden Belt, CAM/now planned the mixer to break in Golden Belt’s newly opened Cotton Room event space.
In addition to being named one of the Top Ten Hubs for the Creative Class by Fast Company magazine, the Triangle has seen a surge in arts organizations in recent years. As a response to the growing need to pay tribute to the region’s thriving arts scene, CAM/now envisioned the Triangle Arts Mixer as allowing local arts groups more opportunities to introduce their work to the community, said Nicole Welch, curator of education for CAM/now, in a press release.
The mixer will feature over twenty non-profit and for-profit arts organizations who hope to increase their visibility in the area, ideally using the event’s visionary vibe to attract more members and volunteers.
“We wanted to provide a casual setting for the young community to mix and mingle and for arts groups to be able to share more of what they do,” said Allison Polish, director of marketing for Scientific Properties, the developer for Golden Belt.
The evening will showcase organizations from all segments of the creative spectrum, including visual arts, theater, film, dance and music. Participating groups include the Carolina Ballet, NC Symphony, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern and Bull City Headquarters’ Art Attack.
As part of Golden Belt’s Third Friday, patrons of the mixer will also have the opportunity to complement their experience with the opening of a new exhibition in ROOM 100, Hiroshima: After Aftermath from elin o’Hara slavick, and the final day of The Obama Effect, which features works by visiting Virginia Artist-in-Residence Yonsenia White.
Organizers especially encourage students to participate in the mixer, and hope that their foray into the arts scene will prompt them to take advantage of the dynamic artistic environment in which they study.
“One of our goals is to integrate students further into the arts community,” Polish said. “There is such a wealth of opportunities to get involved and experience art in different formats that make the area really unique.”
Ultimately, the event is perfect for all those who call the Triangle home—professionals and newbies alike.
“We are inviting all of the Triangle community to network and celebrate what is a common passion—supporting and participating in the arts,” Polish said.
The event lasts from 6 to 9 p.m. and will feature music by DJ Yes! Sputnik, light food and a cash bar.
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