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120 Morris St Downtown Durham

 

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CenterFest

About Centerfest

Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also features musicians, dancers and unique street performers to provide continuous entertainment. Kids will have a blast at the Creative Kids Zone, food vendors keep guests fueled for fun, and Durham’s nonprofit and government services sector inspire and inform festival goers. Taking place in the heart of Durham’s historic downtown, a concentration of local businesses and eateries elevate the visitor experience! 
 
Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. Donations support the festival and the arts in Durham.
 
Centerfest 2024 will be September 21st and 22nd in Downtown Durham!
 

About Centerfest

Since 1974, Durham Arts Council has brought the Durham community together with an annual arts festival in the fall. As Durham’s signature fine arts festival, CenterFest showcases juried visual artists from across the country and fills multiple stages with stand-out local performers. Art shoppers are dazzled by world-class ceramics, paintings, photography, jewelry, fiber art, woodwork, glass, and more. Creators are based in Durham, the Triangle and across the country. CenterFest also features musicians, dancers and unique street performers to provide continuous entertainment. Kids will have a blast at the Creative Kids Zone, food vendors keep guests fueled for fun, and Durham’s nonprofit and government services sector inspire and inform festival goers. Taking place in the heart of Durham’s historic downtown, a concentration of local businesses and eateries elevate the visitor experience! 
 
Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation at the gate. Donations support the festival and the arts in Durham.
 
Centerfest 2024 will be September 21st and 22nd in Downtown Durham!
 

Centerfest 2024 Artists

Centerfest 2024 Merit Winners

Best In Show
Joan Rasmussen
Mixed Media

First Place
Luis Gutierrez
Sculpture

Second Place
Casey & Sara Anderson
Clay

Third Place
Brian & Tracy Frerichs
Wood

Best Durham Artist
Wendy Allen
Fiber

Coca-Cola Citizen’s Choice
Jennifer James
Jewelry

Photos by Beth Lowery

Centerfest 2024 Performers

Centerfest 2024 Non-Profit, Gov’t & Political Booths

Non-Profit Groups

Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle
Booth: E14

The COT is a professional orchestra that provides performance opportunities for the nation’s most promising young artists.

 

Durham Community Chorale
Booth: E14

Our mission is to promote the joy of choral music in the community through singing, performing and showcasing local talent.

El Centro
Booth: E07

El Centro Hispano works to strengthen the community, build bridges, and advocate for equity and inclusion.

Friends of the Durham Library
Booth: E11

FODL helps fund programs, services, and materials for Durham County Libraries through online and in-person book sales.

League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham, and Chatam Counties
Booth: E13

Register voters, help people check their registrations, educate voters about NC voting laws, promote Vote411.org online non-partisan election information site.

Scrap Exchange
Booth: E06

The Scrap Exchange has been promoting creativity, environmental awareness & community through reuse since 1991.

Vault Theatre
Booth: A34

Vault Theatre is a professional theatre dedicated to unlocking the imagination. VT will offer a mask coloring activity.

Non-Profit Groups

Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle
Booth: E14

The COT is a professional orchestra that provides performance opportunities for the nation’s most promising young artists.

Durham Community Chorale
Booth: E14

Our mission is to promote the joy of choral music in the community through singing, performing and showcasing local talent.

 

El Centro
Booth: E07

El Centro Hispano works to strengthen the community, build bridges, and advocate for equity and inclusion.

Friends of the Durham Library
Booth: E11

FODL helps fund programs, services, and materials for Durham County Libraries through online and in-person book sales.

League of Women Voters of Orange, Durham, and Chatam Counties
Booth: E13

Register voters, help people check their registrations, educate voters about NC voting laws, promote Vote411.org online non-partisan election information site.

Scrap Exchange
Booth: E06

The Scrap Exchange has been promoting creativity, environmental awareness & community through reuse since 1991.

Vault Theatre
Booth: A34

Vault Theatre is a professional theatre dedicated to unlocking the imagination. VT will offer a mask coloring activity.

Gov’t Groups

City of Durham Water Mangement
Booth: E08

Durham’s Water Efficiency and FOG programs promote sustainable water use through education, resources, and community engagement.

City of Durham Cultural & Public Art (CPAP)
Booth: E10

The City of Durham’s Cultural and Public Art Program believes that Durham’s rich cultural heritage is an important part of what makes Durham’s neighborhoods thrive, attracts tourism and business development, and what brings the community closer together. 

 

City of Durham Public Works
Booth: E09

Stormwater is runoff that occurs when rainwater falls onto surfaces like roads, roofs, driveways and parking lots and does not soak into the ground. Our division makes sure that the City of Durham’s stormwater system works for both our residents and also Durham’s natural environment. 

Gov’t Groups

City of Durham Water Mangement
Booth: E08

Durham’s Water Efficiency and FOG programs promote sustainable water use through education, resources, and community engagement. 

City of Durham Public Works
Booth: E09

Stormwater is runoff that occurs when rainwater falls onto surfaces like roads, roofs, driveways and parking lots and does not soak into the ground. Our division makes sure that the City of Durham’s stormwater system works for both our residents and also Durham’s natural environment. 

City of Durham Cultural & Public Art (CPAP)
Booth: E10

The City of Durham’s Cultural and Public Art Program believes that Durham’s rich cultural heritage is an important part of what makes Durham’s neighborhoods thrive, attracts tourism and business development, and what brings the community closer together. 

 

Political Groups

Durham County Democratic Party
Booth: E12

Voter education and registration; informing about what Democrats in Durham are doing.

Political Groups

Booth: E12

Voter education and registration; informing about what Democrats in Durham are doing.

Centerfest 2024 Sponsors

The “Big Bull” Presenting Sponsor

SciMed, located in downtown Durham, has been building software for the scientific community since 2003. They understand the unique challenges scientists face in data management, analysis, and integration. SciMed can streamline your workflow and empower your research by helping you build a new software tool, supporting your existing software, integrating with your other systems, or consulting on technical questions. Learn more at scimed.io

“Incredi_Bull” Sponsor

City of Durham_Program Logos and Logo Lockups Seperate_CMYK-02

“Wonder-Bull” Sponsor

Duke Arts invites you to experience, create, and explore the arts with us. We champion expansive, inclusive, and impactful arts programs that build meaningful connections between campus, community, and global audiences. Our presenting initiative, Duke Arts Presents, showcases world-class creators and performers at Duke, in Durham, and beyond. Visit arts.duke.edu to learn more.

At Rivers Agency we believe business-changing ideas are born when creativity, empathy and culture converge. That’s why supporting CenterFest Arts Festival is always a natural fit for us. We have championed the arts and artists for 30 years, and our diverse client roster will always include institutions like the Durham Arts Council that drive positive cultural transformation. Find out more at Riversagency.com

Celebrate fall fashion with Walmart, in style! Swing by the Walmart Style Tour, a women’s fashion experience designed just for you, to discover Walmart’s new fall collection. A team of stylists will guide you through our newest apparel, give you tips & tricks, and recommend pieces that will fit perfectly into your fall wardrobe. Find out whether you’re a spring, winter, summer or autumn with a personalized color analysis & complete your look with a free lipstick engraved with your name!  You can always find the things you love, at Walmart.

“Love-A-Bull” Sponsor

DCCBC has been refreshing and hydrating participating artists and patrons since the first CenterFest. M. Hager Rand, President & CEO, along with the Rand Family have been long-term supporters of the Durham Arts Council and proud sponsors of the Citizen’s Choice Award since 2009. Our ever-changing portfolio includes our beloved core brands, Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite, expanding to include Dasani, Smartwater, Body Armor, Fairlife Milk, Gold Peak Tea and Monster just to name a few of our products that consumers enjoy on a daily basis. Come by for a FREE Balloon and to try some of our newest products at the Coke tent on Saturday. Cheers!

Since its debut in August 1995, WNCU, 90.7 FM, licensed to North Carolina Central University, has consistently fulfilled its mission to provide quality, cultural programming to public radio listeners in the Triangle area and abroad. The format of this listenersupported public radio station entertains the jazz aficionado, educates the novice jazz listener, and disseminates news and information relative to the community-at-large.   WNCU presents jazz, gospel, blues, soul and so much more. Listen, engage and support online at wncu.org and download our mobile app to take us wherever you are!

Food Lion is excited to invite you and your family to come check out our recently renovated grocery stores! Your local Food Lion has a brand-new look while still bringing the easy, fresh and affordable experience you know and love. Look for our new selections of easy Meal Solutions in our deli department, Food Lion To Go options, and much more. We can’t wait to see you soon and show you all the new ways you can count on us!
WUNC provides high-quality news, cultural and entertainment content to create a more informed and engaged community. Find North Carolina Public Radio on terrestrial radio at 91.5 FM in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Durham area; at 88.9 FM from Manteo, serving the North East outer banks and coastal communities; at 91.9 from Fayetteville; at 91.1 just south of Winston-Salem in the Welcome, NC, area; and, at 90.9 FM from Rocky Mount.
Spark Productions is the premier corporate and private event production company in the Triangle. Spark Productions offers a wide array of services ranging from lighting and audio-visual production to keynote presentation stage setups and photo booths to make your next event perfect. They pride themselves on always putting on events that are a blend of fun, professional and classy.

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.

Admira-Bull” Sponsor

Enjoy-A-Bull” Sponsor

“Promote-A-Bull” Sponsor

Centerfest Partners

Ninth Street Bakery
Kay & Wade Gresham
Spectacular Magazine 

Centerfest 2024 Sponsors

The “Big Bull” Presenting Sponsor

SciMed, located in downtown Durham, has been building software for the scientific community since 2003. They understand the unique challenges scientists face in data management, analysis, and integration. SciMed can streamline your workflow and empower your research by helping you build a new software tool, supporting your existing software, integrating with your other systems, or consulting on technical questions. Learn more at scimed.io

“Incredi-Bull” Sponsor

City of Durham_Program Logos and Logo Lockups Seperate_CMYK-02

“Wonder-Bull” Sponsor

Duke Arts invites you to experience, create, and explore the arts with us. We champion expansive, inclusive, and impactful arts programs that build meaningful connections between campus, community, and global audiences. Our presenting initiative, Duke Arts Presents, showcases world-class creators and performers at Duke, in Durham, and beyond. Visit arts.duke.edu to learn more.

At Rivers Agency we believe business-changing ideas are born when creativity, empathy and culture converge. That’s why supporting CenterFest Arts Festival is always a natural fit for us. We have championed the arts and artists for 30 years, and our diverse client roster will always include institutions like the Durham Arts Council that drive positive cultural transformation. Find out more at Riversagency.com

Celebrate fall fashion with Walmart, in style! Swing by the Walmart Style Tour, a women’s fashion experience designed just for you, to discover Walmart’s new fall collection. A team of stylists will guide you through our newest apparel, give you tips & tricks, and recommend pieces that will fit perfectly into your fall wardrobe. Find out whether you’re a spring, winter, summer or autumn with a personalized color analysis & complete your look with a free lipstick engraved with your name!  You can always find the things you love, at Walmart.

“Love-A-Bull” Sponsor

DCCBC has been refreshing and hydrating participating artists and patrons since the first CenterFest. M. Hager Rand, President & CEO, along with the Rand Family have been long-term supporters of the Durham Arts Council and proud sponsors of the Citizen’s Choice Award since 2009. Our ever-changing portfolio includes our beloved core brands, Coca-Cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and Sprite, expanding to include Dasani, Smartwater, Body Armor, Fairlife Milk, Gold Peak Tea and Monster just to name a few of our products that consumers enjoy on a daily basis. Come by for a FREE Balloon and to try some of our newest products at the Coke tent on Saturday. Cheers!

Food Lion is excited to invite you and your family to come check out our recently renovated grocery stores! Your local Food Lion has a brand-new look while still bringing the easy, fresh and affordable experience you know and love. Look for our new selections of easy Meal Solutions in our deli department, Food Lion To Go options, and much more. We can’t wait to see you soon and show you all the new ways you can count on us!

Spark Productions is the premier corporate and private event production company in the Triangle. Spark Productions offers a wide array of services ranging from lighting and audio-visual production to keynote presentation stage setups and photo booths to make your next event perfect. They pride themselves on always putting on events that are a blend of fun, professional and classy.

Since its debut in August 1995, WNCU, 90.7 FM, licensed to North Carolina Central University, has consistently fulfilled its mission to provide quality, cultural programming to public radio listeners in the Triangle area and abroad. The format of this listenersupported public radio station entertains the jazz aficionado, educates the novice jazz listener, and disseminates news and information relative to the community-at-large.   WNCU presents jazz, gospel, blues, soul and so much more. Listen, engage and support online at wncu.org and download our mobile app to take us wherever you are!

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.

WUNC provides high-quality news, cultural and entertainment content to create a more informed and engaged community. Find North Carolina Public Radio on terrestrial radio at 91.5 FM in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Durham area; at 88.9 FM from Manteo, serving the North East outer banks and coastal communities; at 91.9 from Fayetteville; at 91.1 just south of Winston-Salem in the Welcome, NC, area; and, at 90.9 FM from Rocky Mount.

“Admira-Bull” Sponsor

“Enjoy-A-Bull” Sponsor

“Promote-A-Bull” Sponsor

Centerfest Partners

Ninth Street Bakery
Kay & Wade Gresham
Spectacular Magazine 

Centerfest 2024 Timeline

  • January 31, 2024

    Visual Artist Application Opens on Zapp

  • February 14th, 2024

    Performer Application Opens on Submittable 

  • March 18th, 2024
  • May 1st, 2024

    Visual Artist Application Closes

  • June 2024

    Visual Artists Notified of Status

  • June 10th, 2024

    Performer Application Closes

  • July 10th, 2024

    All other applications close

  • July 20th, 2024

    Performers Notified

  • August, 2024

    All Applicants Notified of Status

  • September 21 & 22, 2024

    Festival Takes Place

CF24_Instagram_white_background

Centerfest 2024 Timeline

  • January 31, 2024

    Visual Artist Application Opens 

  • February 14th, 2024

    Performer Application Opens on Submittable 

  • March 18th, 2024
  • May 1st, 2024

    Visual Artist Application Closes

  • June 2024

    Visual Artists Notified of Status

  • June 10th, 2024

    Performer Application Closes

  • July 10th, 2024

    All other applications close

  • July 20th, 2024

    Performers Notified

  • August, 2024

    All Applicants Notified of Status

  • September 21 & 22, 2024

    Festival Takes Place

CenterFest

Past Festivals

Past Festivals

Questions about CenterFest?