
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.
UNCSA has several alumni connections to the 54th NAACP Image Awards, which honors achievements by people of color in culture and entertainment. The awards will air live on Saturday, Feb. 25, on BET Network.
School of Drama alumnus Jonathan Majors (B.F.A. ’12) is nominated in the outstanding actor in a motion picture category for his role in the military drama “Devotion.” This is the only NAACP Image Award nomination connected to the project this year.

Jonathan Majors stars as Atticus "Tic" Freeman in "Lovecraft Country." / Photo: Elizabeth Morris/HBO
Jada Pinkett Smith, who attended the School of Drama, is nominated as an outstanding host in a talk or news/information series or special for “Red Table Talk” on Facebook Watch. The show itself is also nominated in the outstanding talk series category.
The HBO Max show “Euphoria,” which stars High SchoolVisual Arts Program alumna Hunter Schafer from the class of 2017, is nominated for outstanding drama series.

Hunter Schafer, left, stars alongside Zendaya in "Euphoria." / Photo: Eddy Chen, courtesy of HBO
The NAACP Image Awards were established in 1967 to honor outstanding Black actors, writers, producers and directors, and to recognize those working in Hollywood who support those artists. Now spanning 76 categories, the NAACP Image Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the arts, including film, television, digital media, music and literature. The prestigious award franchise also honors individuals and groups that promote social justice. Special honorary awards, including the Chairman’s Award, the President’s Award, the Vanguard Award, the Jackie Robinson Sports Award, and the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame extol exceptional individuals and organizations for distinguished public service and have included Gordon Parks, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama and more.
Information in this release reflects what could be obtained by press time; updates will be made with additional connections as they are brought to our attention.
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February 25, 2026