Join the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County to celebrate the kick-off to Wake County’s cultural season! Attendees will enjoy a continental breakfast while networking, experiencing the power of the arts, and recognizing our grant recipients and the elected officials who champion the arts in our community.

This fun and inspiring breakfast will feature a performance by Enloe High School’s “Crescenloe” a cappella choir, remarks by community leaders, and we will present the second annual United Arts Champion Award, dedicated to organizations with outstanding contributions to the arts.

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2025 Arts Champion Awardees!

Al Sturgis – 2025 Individual Arts Champion

Al Sturgis has transformed North Carolina’s cultural landscape as Music Director of the North Carolina Master Chorale since 1993, while simultaneously leading the Carolina Ballet and the Tar River Orchestra—a remarkable demonstration of his unwavering dedication to expanding artistic opportunities across multiple disciplines. Under his visionary leadership, the North Carolina Master Chorale has evolved into a premier cultural institution, achieving numerous milestones including prestigious conference appearances, recordings, and television broadcasts. Al also maintains a commitment to celebrating artists that extends beyond his own ensembles through numerous collaborative partnerships. His guest conducting engagements with the New York City Ballet, North Carolina Symphony, and orchestras across France, Bulgaria, and China have created invaluable opportunities for musicians while raising the profile of Wake County’s artistic community on national and international stages.

Arts NC State – 2025 Organizational Arts Champion

Arts NC State is the collective organization for the visual and performing arts at NC State University, encompassing the Crafts Center, Gregg Museum of Art & Design, NC State LIVE, University Theatre, Dance Programs, and Music Programs. Open to all students and the public, it fosters creativity, collaboration, and community through performances, exhibitions, classes, and events. Signature initiatives include the Student Art Sale and Student Art Collection, which empower student artists and showcase their work across campus, and Arts + Wellness, which promotes mental and physical well-being through mindfulness sessions, therapeutic workshops, and concerts. Arts NC State makes a lasting impact on both campus life and the broader community by ensuring the arts are accessible, relevant, and transformative. Thousands of students, regardless of major, engage in programs that inspire self-expression, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. It’s not uncommon to find engineers performing on stage or biologists working in the clay studio, proof that the arts are for everyone. Since its founding, the Student Art Sale has brought over $70,000 directly to student artists, supporting their creative growth and professional development. Arts NC State is dedicated to providing enriching experiences to all students on campus, ensuring that, no matter your background or experience, you have access to the arts and the opportunity to strengthen both your academic and personal journey through creative expression.