Raleigh Arts and United Arts Wake County announced on Apr. 10 that they are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Arts Learning Community for Universal Access, a year-long program designed to help nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Raleigh and Wake County better engage people and artists with disabilities.
The initiative aims to bring together administrators from local arts organizations to share knowledge, discuss accessibility topics, and work toward more inclusive programming. The program will run from August through July of 2027, starting with the Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference. Participants will meet monthly to address challenges, share achievements, and pursue self-identified goals related to improving accessibility in the arts.
“Want to learn how to better engage people and artists with disabilities in your programming? Raleigh Arts and United Arts Wake County are partnering once again to offer the Arts Learning Community for Universal Access,” organizers said. They encourage Raleigh- and Wake County-based nonprofit arts organizations interested in participating to apply by Thursday, April 30 at 4 p.m.
The effort is part of the broader Raleigh Arts Partner Program, which works with local nonprofits by providing funding and resources aimed at ensuring residents can experience art throughout the city. “The Raleigh Arts Partner Program works with Raleigh’s nonprofit arts community, providing funding and other resources with a goal of ensuring that Raleigh residents and visitors can find all kinds of art in all kinds of places throughout the City,” according to organizers.
Raleigh is home not only to a vibrant arts scene but also professional sports teams such as the Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes, according to the official website. The city supports its community life through these activities as well as public services managed by its city manager’s office according to its official website. The City of Raleigh is led by an elected city council supported by a city manager who oversees operations as outlined on its official website, serving districts A through E according to its official website. Recent policy changes include updates made in 2024 regarding election terms according to its official website.
Looking ahead, participants selected for this cohort will join what organizers describe as a nationally recognized program now entering its eleventh year. More information about applying or learning about universal access initiatives can be found through Raleigh Arts.
