
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.
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts has received an estate gift of $3 million to support merit-based scholarships in the School of Music.
The planned gift was made by an anonymous donor as part of an estate plan, and it represents one of the largest single gifts in the history of the School of Music. The donor passed away in late January.

This extraordinary gift will have a significant and immediate impact on our ability to recruit the best musicians,” said UNCSA Chancellor Lindsay Bierman. “The scholarships funded by this endowment will strengthen our competitive advantage in tuition costs, and reward young artists who demonstrate the talent, discipline, and grit it takes to perform at the very highest levels. I deeply admire the donor’s longtime commitment to excellence in teaching and training."
The scholarships funded by this gift will be awarded at the discretion of the school’s dean on the basis of academic and artistic success. “We are profoundly grateful for this gift,” said Dean of Music Brian Cole. “Scholarships are a top priority for the school, and this gift will provide us with a significant edge in recruiting and retaining highly qualified students from across the state and around the world.”

The School of Music currently enrolls 256 students: 108 undergraduate students, 54 graduate students and 94 high school students. Areas of study include a wide array of instrumental performance programs, voice performance, composition and orchestral conducting
In addition to providing vital scholarship support to UNCSA students, this gift also serves as a leadership gift in UNCSA’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. “Though we are unable to share the name of this generous donor, we want to express our tremendous gratitude for his or her selflessness and dedication to the arts,” said Vice Chancellor for Advancement Edward J. Lewis III. “We are in awe of their humility and their affection for our university and our students.”
February 25, 2026