The Kenan Institute for the Arts strengthens our creative community by acting as a
catalyst for innovative ideas, developing strategic partnerships and building artists’
capacity to generate, lead and sustain their work. Our programmatic work is focused
in three strategic directions: Creative Leaders, Creative Campus, and Creative Community.
Certificate Program
The Creative Catalyst Certificate program offers a cost-effective, flexible and innovative
continuing education experience that allows artists of all disciplines to translate
their intrinsic skills and creative practices into new experiences and professional
opportunities. Public cohorts begin in January 2020.
Competitive, paid Creative Catalyst Fellowships with Kenan Institute partner institutions
will be awarded each year to a diverse group of emerging artist leaders, entrepreneurs
and innovators. Fellowships will provide practical experience, and will include admission
to the Creative Catalyst Certificate Program.
The Creative Catalyst Artivate summit will bring together artist leaders, entrepreneurs
and innovators from around the country to share knowledge, build and expend networks
and strengthen creative communities through conversations and dialogue, hands-on workshops
and opportunities for community engagement.
The Kenan Institute for the Arts, along with the UNCSA School of Dance, work in partnership
with the Happy Hill Neighborhood Association to present Happy Hill Arts, a place-based
arts and cultural initiative in a historically African American community that neighbors
the University.
The Kenan Institute is working with UNCSA administration and community partners to
create and implement a vision for University-owned property on Sunnyside Avenue.
Faculty Enrichment Grants
These small grants support the efforts of UNCSA faculty to augment student learning by subsidizing ticket and transportation costs to attend
off-campus performances, exhibits and screenings.
Creative Campus Grants
These grants give UNCSA faculty extraordinary opportunities to explore new approaches
to creative learning challenges; impact student learning outcomes; foster the capacity
of faculty to lead; engage diverse stakeholders; and produce creative ideas, analysis,
strategies and initiatives for further study or implementation. Grants are used to
develop and implement innovative ideas that advance creative learning on campus and
beyond.
Creative Community Lab
The Creative Community Lab is a 2500-square-foot leased space in the historic Railroad
Building on South Liberty Street. This innovative facility offers programmatic, office
and "blue sky" meeting space for Kenan fellows, guest artists, partner organizations
and others.
The Arts Enterprise Lab is a partnership between the Kenan Institute for the Arts
and the Center for Creative Economy that encourages our creative community to collaborate
and develop and grow their ideas. The Lab provides creative entrepreneurs with training
and coaching sessions that target business and product development.
Kenan Arts Research Fellows are innovative research-based artist residency programs
that support teaching and learning in arts entrepreneurship and social enterprise
at the UNC School of the Arts.
Cherokee actress and writer DeLanna Studi dreamed of one day following the footsteps
her ancestors were forced to travel along The Trail of Tears and then finding a way
to share their tragic yet triumphant legacy with audiences around the country.
