Orange County Campus on Yellow Status on Tuesday, June 24, due to air-conditioning issues. Only essential personnel should report to campus. All classes will be held remotely.
Durham Tech is deeply committed to providing accessible, free arts experiences for all students, many of whom are from underserved minority communities. The College prioritizes connecting students with arts and cultural opportunities they otherwise might not be able to access. To institutionalize these commitments, Durham Tech formed a Viva the Arts Committee in 2000, co-led by Library and Foundation personnel. Irene Laube and Lou Rollins (both now retired from Durham Tech) were among the founders of Viva the Arts.
For the past 25 years, Viva the Arts at Durham Tech has advised and planned activities that enhance the interests and knowledge of students, staff and residents by celebrating diversity and increasing community engagement. On a sparse budget, the cumulative volume and diversity of Viva the Arts’ activities is remarkable: more than 100 experiences in fine arts, literature, documentary films, public art installations, music, dance, poetry, theater, student exhibitions, and more. Many experiences included direct interaction with artists, workshops, lectures, and receptions. Some were in collaboration with community partners like the Burning Coal Theatre Company and the Museum of Durham History, enriching students' learning through engagement with the local arts community. Viva the Arts programming at Durham Tech is a benefit to students and the local community.
Viva the Arts continues to be dedicated to cultivating and sustaining a vibrant arts culture that nurtures talent, fosters creativity, and enhances the community's well-being. Durham Tech believes in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, educate, and bridge differences among individuals to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or financial status, has access to the enriching world of the arts.
The arts are reflections of our humanity and builders of communities. Viva the Arts’ next 25 years are full of promise, thanks to patrons, supporters, and friends. Contact Liz McFarlane by email at foundation@durhamtech.edu or Julie Humphrey at humphreyj@durhamtech.edu to learn more.