There are arts events happening in the Triangle and North Carolina that are inclusive and accessible hosted by Arts Access and our partners, many of which are free or low cost. Please make sure to check back for updates.
April Events
- March 13- April 29: Wiley Johnson Solo Exhibition
Artist Link Project Artist Wiley Johnson will have a solo exhibit at the Holly Springs Cultural Center from March 13- April 29, at 128 South Main Street in Holly Springs. Find out more about the cultural center
- April 22 to June 7: Audio Described Theater Shows
All month-long art patrons who are blind or have low-vision can enjoy verbally narrated performances of plays at area theaters by Arts Access NC audio describers. Over the next few months showings of Steel Magnolias, Kim Akimbo, The Great Gatsby and the Notebook will be audio described. Check out the schedule for dates, times and ticket information.
- April 10 & April 17: Accordion Book Making Class
The Creative Aging Network will be hosting an accordion book making class taught over two sessions by Betsey Renfrew in Greensboro from 10 a.m. to noon on April 10 and April 17. The focus will be on learning the steps in constructing an accordion book, such as folding paper for the inside (which can include cutouts and secret pockets) and then adhering this to the covers. The class is $60 ( includes materials). More bookmaking class info and registration
- April 9 to June 4: Mixed Media Group Show
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre will host three talented mixed media artists in its gallery, including Robyn Scott, an artist with disabilities. All are invited to a free reception on Friday, April 17, 6-8 p.m. in the Renaissance Centre Arts Annex where the artists will be present to share more about their work and their process. The show is on display through Thursday, June 4 during regular business hours (M-F 9am-12pm, 1pm-5pm). Pieces are available for purchase directly through the artists. Find our more about the mixed media show
- April 10-11: Rainbow Dance Co. 46th Anniversary Concert
Arts Together and the Garner Performing Arts Center presents Rainbow Dance Company’s 46th Anniversary Spring Concert. Performers of all ages and abilities will explore everyday social issues through thoughtful and expressive choreography. Performances are April 10 at 7 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.99. Purchase concert tickets
- April 15: Sensory-Friendly Playtime
Kids with disabilities and their families to experience the Marbles museum in a calmer, quieter environment from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join Arts Access for a free art craft. Other vendors will also be on-site with other activities. The event is free but registration is required. View more information about the sensory-friendly playtime
- April 16 – Free Accessible Live Jazz Concert
Sight & Sound is a free, inclusive jazz concert experience presented by the Marcus Anderson Foundation during Jazz Appreciation Month. The concert is at the World Overcomers Christian Church, 2933 S. Miami Blvd. in Durham Thursday, April 16 from 7 to 9 pm. Designed intentionally for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, and low-vision audiences, this immersive performance reimagines how music can be experienced. Through sound, vibration, lighting, visual translation, tactile elements, and certified interpretation. Register for the jazz concert tickets
- April 17: Arts Access Artist Link Project Pop Up Market
Each month artists with disabilities, who are part of Arts Access’ Artist Link Project, share their work and have items for sale during Durham’s Third Friday at a pop up market. The market runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Marriott City Center, 201 Foster Street in Durham. Art for sale changes each month and can include everything from crochet animals, to painted light switch plates, geometric abstract prints and more.
- April 18: Woodwind Wonders
Woodwind Wonders is a free, sensory-friendly performance in a non-traditional concert setting, featuring a variety of seating options, relaxed lighting, sensory toys, and more. Our woodwind quintet will play several classical and pops favorites, while also teaching the audience about their instruments. This performance is open to all ages and experiences, and additional accommodations can be made available if needed. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. at Junior League of Raleigh Building, 711 Hillsborough Street, in Raleigh.
- April 18: Instrument Petting Zoo
Raleigh Music Collective is hosting a free hands-on “instrument petting zoo” that invites community members to explore, try instruments, and make music together in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment. The program will feature performances by two youth quartets, followed by opportunities for the public to join in and play along. Easy-to-use instruments such as boomwhackers, bucket band percussion, hand percussion, and kazoos will be available so everyone can participate—no musical experience required. In addition to music-making, attendees can enjoy a sensory art activity by painting old instruments. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park. Learn more about the instrument petting zoo
- April 25: Sensory-Friendly Film Series – Lion King
The Carolina Theatre of Durham is hosting a free series of sensory-friendly film screenings in partnership with the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. On April 25, they will be showing the “Lion King”. Tickets are free and can be reserved in advance of the film screening online, by phone at (919) 560-3030. View more information about film tickets
May Events
- May 12: Free Audio Describer Information Session
Join Arts Access North Carolina for a free one-hour virtual information session where you will learn how audio description ( a form of verbal narration) brings the arts to life for people who are blind or low-vision. During the session you will hear from a user of the service, learn about the equipment, hear a sample audio described piece and find out what training is needed. The session is at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Register now
- May 16: Draw with Yarn Workshop at The Scrap Exchange
Sew colorful yarn, ribbon, and beads into a repurposed canvas made from burlap coffee bags. Focus on art as meditation and healing while creating a landscape, floral, or abstract pattern. The class hosted at The Scrap Exchange in Durham starts at 3 p.m. costs $10 and materials provided by instructor. The class is designed to be accessibility friendly. View more fiber class information
Submit an Event
Do you have an arts event or activity you wish was listed in this newsletter? Do you have an opportunity that we should be blasting out to the Arts Access audience? To be included in our listings your event should:
– Be held in a wheelchair-accessible space
– Provide ADA Accommodations upon request
Workshops
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Support
Support for our Arts Access North Carolina events is funded through grants from the City of Raleigh Arts Office, United Arts of Wake County and the North Carolina Arts Council.