
Hosted by the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, the residency centers on AI and the work of acclaimed choreographer and Martha Graham Dance Company member Xin Ying, in collaboration with Mimi Yin and NUUM Collective. The event will bring together artists, technologists, legal scholars and industry leaders to examine the ethical, legal, technical and creative implications of AI for the arts.

Kick off the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra season with a program of powerful storytelling and musical depth.

Step into a world where music sparks imagination and storytelling takes shape. The vibrant "Cuentista!" program invites audiences on a journey through colorful landscapes, inviting characters and unforgettable tales - brought to life by the UNCSA Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds under the direction of Mark Norman.

The past and present collide as the School of Dance opens its performance season with a dynamic exploration of movement across generations. Contemporary dancers take center stage to perform works shaped by shared training, mentorship and creative exchange.

Amid the upheaval of civil war in Congo, Pulitzer Prize-winning "Ruined" follows the formidable Mama Nadi, whose bar becomes a haven for women marked by violence, loss and survival. She must skillfully navigate violent power struggles while protecting those who rely on her courage and cunning.

A night of spontaneity, groove and creative risk unfolds as the UNCSA Improvised Music and Jazz Studio presents a smooth showcase of sound. Student performers explore a wide range of jazz and improvised traditions, from structured charts to fully open-ended creation - highlighting individual voice, ensemble listening and real-time musical decision-making.
Guitar faculty Luke Payne grew up listing to Neil Young, The Beatles and the Pixies. While he says he appreciates those people who find one thing they love enough to devote to study and to master, he thinks the culture now promotes more of an eclectic type of artist. This is reflected in his playlist and in the types of music he plays.
“I love how my versatility has keeps me active,” Payne says. “I play contra dances, then I play a jazz gig, then a wedding where I do Bach. I find there is so much to learn. Guitar is such a versatile instrument and that’s why I love it. Guitar really has a role in every genre of music.”
Payne's playlist launches the UNCSA Spotify channel. Each month we'll feature a School of Music faculty's playlist: