Explore the 2026-27 Artists-in-Schools Season Schedule!

For the second year in a row, every single school in the Chatham County Schools system will experience the Chatham Arts Council’s Artists-in-Schools Initiative–making Chatham the first county in the whole state to bring professional teaching artists into every public school, every year. That’s right! We’re talking poetry, Latin music, Flamenco dancing, West African drumming, music production and beat making, acting, creative writing, and more!

The arts can do amazing things for kids! Data shows the arts can help boost confidence, make kids feel more engaged and more resilient, and improve mental health by relieving anxiety, depression, and stress. And what’s more, through artists’ residencies, Chatham students will have the opportunity to make deeper connections to classroom curriculum. That’s why the CAC is so committed to our Artists-in-Schools Initiative. “While the research is clear, the joy on the students’ faces is even more impactful,” said Amanda Moran, CAC’s Director of Artists-in-Schools Initiative. “I love seeing how the students light up when they see these artists perform. It is pure magic that you just can’t describe unless you see it first hand.”

So….what do we have in store for the 2026-27 school year? We’re glad you’re curious! This year’s line-up includes:

Mike Wiley (theatre): social studies, writing, history
Black Box Dance Theatre (modern dance): science, math, history
Diali Cissokho (West African music and storytelling): math, social studies, language arts
Phillip Shabazz (poetry): writing and language arts
John Brown Band led by an Emmy- and Grammy-nominated jazz musician (jazz/big band): social studies, history, math
Vivo Flamenco (dance): language arts, social studies, history
The Magic of African Rhythm (music and dance): social studies, science, language arts
Only Us Beatmaking Lab, (music): technology, language arts, entrepreneurship
Luke Vandergriff (Latin music and instrument-making): math, science, engineering
Shana Tucker (music): writing and language arts

As in previous seasons, students will experience performances and take part in engaging workshops on a variety of subjects, helping bring core curriculum to life. The season will run from the fall through March.

After 10 years of connecting professional artists with local schools, we know how beneficial this program is. But just in case you’re not convinced, take heart in what student participants said about last year’s residencies:

“I liked we were learning something I have never experienced before in my life.” – Chatham County seventh-grader in response to Diali Cissokho’s residency
“I loved it! I felt like I could write 1,000 pages of poetry.” – Chatham County sixth-grader after a Phillip Shabazz residency
“It helped me learn more responsibility, express myself, and to show up for my classmates.” –Chatham County fifth-grader in response to a Black Box Dance residency
“We were able to express ourselves how we wanted to, we were not judged.”
– Chatham County fifth grader after The Magic of African Rhythm residency

The CAC’s Artists-in-Schools Initiative is made possible through partnerships with the North Carolina Arts Council, Chatham County, Chatham County Schools, and with support from generous individuals and businesses. If you’re inspired by our Artists-in-Schools line-up this school year, share some love! Please help support arts programming in Chatham County by clicking here.

2026-27 Artists-in-Schools Season

SEPTEMBER