Statewide Engagement

The NCMA’s impact extends beyond its campus in Raleigh. Learn more about our statewide engagement programs as we work to bring the power of art to all 100 counties across North Carolina.

NCMA Artist Innovation Mentorship (NCMA AIM)

With pilot funding from the Anonymous Trust and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, this regional after-school outreach program is designed to bring artists from eastern North Carolina communities into structured six-week programs with area youth. NCMA AIM uses creative youth development strategies to provide access to materials, create open-ended process-led art, explore the basics of exhibition curation, and connect young people with their peers through art.

Bilingual NCMA To Go Activity Kits

Through a statewide partnership with NC Cardinal, a consortium of North Carolina public libraries, families can get creative and inspired by NCMA art and artists at home. Each month, the NCMA creates an activity kit with materials plus written instructions for a complete hands-on project. Kits are designed for all ages and available in English and Spanish.

Community Contracts

Jumpsuit Project artist Sherrill Roland partnered with the NCMA, North Carolina Central University School of Law, and the artists of MacFly Fresh Printing Co. to create a socially engaged art experience for the Teen Promise student group at Broughton High School. Guided by mentors, students explored issues of agency, contractual law, and social responsibility during a six-session intensive.

Virtual Field Trips

Even from afar, the NCMA can serve your classroom. Museum educators offer 30- and 45-minute virtual field trips on a variety of topics. Virtual field trips can also be customized to meet teachers’ curricular needs or ensure the accessibility of the experience. Captioning, ASL interpretation, and Spanish/English bilingual programs are available upon request.

The Museum Lives in Me

The NCMA commissioned Victoria Scott-Miller, author and owner of Liberation Station Bookstore, to create a children’s book showcasing the exploration of the People’s Collection by a group of visiting students. The Museum Lives in Me highlights their inclusive experiences, opportunities for self-reflection, and meaningful connections to art. Due out in May, the book was written by Scott-Miller and features original illustrations by Raleigh-based JP Jermaine Powell.

NCMA Explore

Launching in 2022, NCMA Explore is a multiperson virtual gallery for children designed to grow social-emotional learning skills. Skills are introduced through immersive experiences in contextual virtual environments anchored by art from around the globe. In partnership with an immersive tech producer and a team of educational game designers, NCMA educators will ensure that the platform stays fresh through periodic new content drops.

Transactional to Transformative Impact

In partnership with curator and founder of the Black on Black Project, Michael S. Williams, this initiative responds directly to the needs of communities across North Carolina, with a focus on communities outside the Greater Triangle. Creating space for dialogue and programming that examines racial and social injustices through the lens of Black Americans and other people of color, the program impacts two communities annually. Its goals are to explore community histories, share those histories and other findings through the visual and performing arts, recognize North Carolinians and Black artists, and increase North Carolinians’ awareness about our challenging racial and social history, including the role cultural institutions have played in that history. Lost in Transition is our first project. This work is funded by the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust.

Artist in Residence

The Museum welcomed artist in residence JP Jermaine Powell in April 2022. Initiated by The Museum Lives in Me, an NCMA children’s book written by Victoria Scott-Miller and illustrated by Powell, this two-year residency supports the Museum’s statewide outreach programs by connecting a practicing NC artist with schools and local communities. A multimedia artist, Powell often creates murals that highlight stories communities wish to celebrate. This work will continue as part of the artist in residency with a focus on Governor Cooper's Hometown Strong counties. Powell will visit communities and classrooms to share his practice, encourage creative expression, and make museum and arts career pathways more accessible. At the NCMA, visitors can see his site-based commission Imagine Love: Show Me Love, which was inspired by other works in the People’s Collection. The residency concludes in 2024 with an exhibition of his work.

Programs for People with Memory Loss and Care Partners

The NCMA offers a variety of experiences for those whose lives are affected by memory loss. Research shows just how enriching the arts are to this community. We aim to provide experiences that combat social isolation and opportunities for joy, creativity, refuge, and connection. In-person and virtual programs are available and can be tailored to the needs of partner organizations and clients served. Learn more about these offerings.