CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
The North Carolina Arts Council’s SmART Communities program invests in arts-driven economic development and creative placemaking projects that celebrate the unique character of North Carolina communities.
BRINGING BACK THE FUNK
Five members of the original James Brown Band hailed from Kinston, a small town in eastern North Carolina often referred to as the birthplace of funk. Kinston artist and venue owner Choci Gray has dedicated herself to celebrating the town’s Black musicians. In February of 2020, legendary saxophonist Maceo Parker returned home to play with two other North Carolina Heritage Awardees at Gray’s annual Chitlin Circuit event.
SISTER LENA MAE PERRY CARRIES THE GOSPEL IN SONG
Sister Lena Mae Perry says music is like medicine. She would know. At 80-years-old, Sister Perry has helmed the Branchettes, a celebrated gospel group from Johnston County, North Carolina, for decades. To see her perform is to witness the healing powers of music.