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120 Morris St. Downtown Durham

Creating a Vibrant Community through the Arts

Because the ARTS are for everyone.

DAC Building Hours:

 *Subject to Change due to Private Events

Monday – Saturday: 9am – 9pm

Sunday: 1pm – 6pm

As of November 1, 2022 – Masks are Welcome in the DAC Building but not required.  We encourage you to wear a mask if you will be in close proximity (less than 6 feet) to other visitors, students, or employees.

CenterFest 2024 Timeline

*Underlined text is linked to applications*

  • January 31, 2024

    Visual Artist Application Opens on Zapp

  • February 14th, 2024

    Performer Application Opens on Submittable 

  • March, 2024

    Non-Profit, Gov’t Services, Political Booth & Food Vendor Applications Open on Submittable

  • May 1st, 2024

    Visual Artist Application Closes

  • June 2024

    Visual Artists Notified of Status

  • June 10th, 2024

    Performer Application Closes

  • July 10, 2024

    All other applications close

  • July 20th, 2024

    Performers Notified of Status

  • August, 2024

    All Applicants Notified of Status

  • September 21 & 22, 2024

    Festival Takes Place

Do you love the arts? We do too. As the hub for arts and culture in Durham, our vision is to make art a daily presence in our community. 

For over 60 years, we’ve been supporting local art and the artists who create it — as well as the people who enjoy it — through programs, services, classes, and exhibits. 

DAC Serves the Arts Sector

How we do it: Supporting, showcasing and employing arts organizations and artists — around 2,000 artists and 300 arts and cultural organizations served each year. 

What that means for you: artist and arts organization grants, exhibit space, performance/rehearsal/office space

DAC Serves the Public

How we do it: Providing year-round arts programs and arts experiences to over 400,000 people of all ages each year.

What that means for you: camps, classes, partnerships with public and private schools, exhibit and gallery shows, facility rental space, and community events like CenterFest, Third Friday, and ArtWalk

DAC Advocates for the Arts

DAC advocates daily for the important role that the arts play in building a vibrant, healthy, equitable and successful community, including local, regional, statewide and national arts initiatives.