Creative Arts in Public & Private Schools
Established in 1972, Creative Arts in Public and Private Schools (CAPS) brings professional artists into classrooms and community spaces across Durham, Granville, Orange, and Person counties. Each year, CAPS reaches more than 27,000 students through partnerships with schools, after-school programs, community centers, festivals, and senior centers.
CAPS supports a complete arts education by providing:
- Arts Integration: Residencies and workshops connect the arts to core subjects like math, science, writing, and social studies.
- Arts Exposure: Live performances introduce students to a wide range of artistic disciplines and cultural traditions.
- Arts Skill-Building: Hands-on programs help students grow their own creative skills and confidence.
A well-rounded arts education helps students develop critical thinking, empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills—tools that benefit them academically and socially throughout life.
In addition to in-school and community programming, CAPS also offers professional development workshops for educators and business teams, showing how the arts can enhance teaching strategies, collaboration, and creative thinking.
For adults, engaging with the arts fosters innovation, strengthens team dynamics, reduces stress, and brings people together across backgrounds and industries. The arts truly enrich lives at every stage.
Book A CAPS Program
CAPS delivers arts integration experiences to Durham Public Schools, Private and Charter Schools in Durham and other counties, and to Community Organizations and Partners. Learn more about how to book a CAPS program below.
Artist & Program Directory
Teaching artists and presenters on the Durham Arts Council CAPS roster are listed by discipline/ curriculum area.
Teaching Artist Information
CAPS Calendar
This program is funded by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
