
Imagine world-class artists collaborating with UNC faculty and students to transform coursework into immersive experiences and propel groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. This is the power of artist residencies, a unique offering of Carolina Performing Arts.
Our residencies provide artists with the time and resources to deepen the educational journey while advancing UNC’s mission of discovery and innovation.
Take CPA resident artist Johnny Gandelsman, a 2024 MacArthur Fellow, who is curating and performing this season’s five-part This is America series. He’s collaborating with neuroscience researchers to explore how music can heal the brain, while teaching undergraduate music students the art of improvisation across diverse musical genres. This extended impact is at the heart of our residency program.

“CPA is an undisputed leader in the performing arts, known in the U.S. and around the world for its bold programming and dedication to artistic excellence. But it’s the profound connections CPA builds that make it unique, having used the arts as a tool to engage nearly a quarter of a million students and community members since its inception in 2005!”
–Johnny Gandelsman, CPA Resident Artist
We invite you to join fellow alumni, friends, and partners in making a gift today to support artist residencies. Your investment will ensure Carolina Performing Arts continues to enrich UNC’s mission of education and discovery in unique and powerful ways.
Carolina Performing Arts By The Numbers: 20 Years of Engagement, Collaboration, and Programming.
- 46k+ students
- 550+ artists
- 900+ performances
- 80 commissioned new works
- 40 world premieres
Hear more from select CPA donors and Alison Friedman, our James and Susan Moeser Executive and Artistic Director.
Upcoming Performances

A Dorrance Dance Production
Date: April 9 & 10
Location: Memorial Hall

Lewis Black
Date: April 29
Location: Memorial Hall

The Complete Philip Glass Piano Etudes
Date: May 3
Location: Memorial Hall
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