The pandemic has given the world a preview of life without live concerts, art openings, or book readings, and many do not like what they have seen. That is why arts councils from Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties are joining forces to rally support around the arts through a live event – Big Night In for the Arts.
The fundraising event will be broadcast live on WRAL-TV on March 11 at 7 p.m. Dollars raised will go toward arts programming, initiatives for equity in the arts, and arts relief efforts.
Scotty McCreery, ACM and CMT Award-winning country music singer and Garner native joins the superstar line-up of artists performing, including: Ariana DeBose, Tony-nominated actress/singer/dancer and Raleigh native, starring as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film West Side Story; Mandolin Orange, nationally acclaimed folk music duo based in Chapel Hill, featuring singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz; Branford Marsalis, three-time Grammy Award winner and internationally renowned saxophonist based in Durham who recently wrote the score for Netflix’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”; and Mike Wiley, nationally acclaimed actor and playwright based in Chatham County who shines the light on key figures in African American history through his performances.
“Our local arts communities need support now more than ever. This pandemic has been challenging in so many ways,” said Ariana DeBose. “Millions of people have suffered; entire industries have been brought to their knees with no relief in sight. In times of trouble, people turn to the arts. Now is the time for us to show up for each other in a radical way. That is why I am so proud to lend my voice to this event in efforts to support the community that has given me so much.”
A stream of local artists will also be participating in Big Night in for the Arts to help support their arts communities. Chatham County artist Marcelle Harwell Pachnowski, who visualizes color and rhythmic patterns when she listens to music, will be creating a mixed media piece during the event.
Big Night In for the Arts represents the first time arts councils from Chatham, Durham, Orange, and Wake Counties have joined together in support of a mutual cause. In partnership with WRAL-TV, the Chatham Arts Council, the Durham Arts Council, the Orange County Arts Commission, and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County are working together to maximize efforts to rally robust financial support for artists and arts/cultural organizations. For more information, please visit https://bignightin.org/
