Who We Are
Mission
Durham Arts Council, Inc. is a catalyst in the cultural development of Durham – it leads, inspires, and promotes excellence in and access to the creation, experience, and active support of the arts for all the people of our community.
DAC is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization funded by earned revenues, grants and contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals, and support from the City of Durham, Durham County, North Carolina Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Vision
We envision a community where creativity and the arts are highly valued, positive and transformative forces in Durham’s cultural, educational, and economic life. We envision an excellent and sustainable arts and cultural sector that is vital to quality of life in Durham.
Goals
· To increase participation in high-quality arts experiences throughout the community,
· To expand arts education both in and outside of schools,
· To build an environment for artists and arts organization so that they can create and present their work, and
· To be a resource to the community for advocating, planning, and developing Durham’s arts and cultural community, creative place-making and building the creative economy
Diversity, Equity, Access, Inclusion and Belonging (DEAI)
Durham Arts Council celebrates the unique creativity and spirit of every person and believes in creating a vibrant, diverse, equitable and inclusive community through the arts.
DAC is committed at every level to developing, supporting, and celebrating diversity, equity, access, inclusion and belonging in our programming, services, audience, workforce, vendor relationships, board and governance as a reflection of the diverse communities we serve.
2024-25 DAC Board of Trustees
BOARD OFFICERS
Tabitha Concepcion
Board President
Truist Wealth
Adam Allegrini
Truist Wealth
Geraud Staton
2nd Vice President, Development Committee
Executive Director, Helius
Senator Mike Woodard
Secretary, Governing/Nominating Committee
Duke University
Emeric J. Jorgensen
Treasurer, Financial Operations Committee
CPA, Pless & Company
Rick Grant
Past Board President
VP Grid Operations Duke Energy
BOARD MEMBERS
Lori Blake-Reid
Ian Lee Brown
Duke University Health System
Heidi Carter
Sheila Crosby
Jose Manuel Cruz
Dr. Constanza Gómez-Joines
Assistant VP and Executive Director, Center for the Global Learner, Durham Technical Community College
Dan Ellison
Chandra Guinn
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at McKinney
Kenneth Hinton
Adjunct Instructor, Shaw University and NCCU; Artistic Director of the Agape Theatre Project
Chelsea Cook
Durham City Council Member
Appointed by Durham City Council
Marjorie Pierson
Visual Artist, Photography
Maryah Smith
Asst. Dean of Building, Engineering, and Skilled Trades, Durham Tech
Wade Walcott
Director, City of Durham Parks + Recreation Department
Appointed by City of Durham
Elisabeth Wiener
Independent Marketing and Advertising Professional
Staff Directory
LEADERSHIP
DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
ARTIST SERVICES
ARTS EDUCATION
FACILITIES
Darriel Williams
Maintenance Assistant
919-560-2724
CONTRACT SERVICES TEAM
Financial Accounting
Neal, Bradsher + Taylor PA
Angela Yearby
Michael Clonch
Joe Sullivan
Theatre Technical Support
No Regret Productions
Kevin Esprella
Patrick Lillie
IT Management
Work Smart
Security Services
Durham County Sheriff Team
Team Lead: Deputy Derrick Neville
Reports
History
Founded in 1954 to promote and nurture the arts of Durham, Allied Arts was renamed Durham Arts Council, Inc. (DAC) in 1975 when it became what is now the second oldest arts council in the United States . Three years later, the Council moved in to the historic Central High School and City Hall building, which was constructed in 1906 at 120 Morris Street in downtown Durham. In the mid-1980’s, after a three-year renovation, the city-owned building became DAC’s long term home.