Explore highlights of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, programs, and research throughout our College. Faculty across the College are in the midst of programming a slate of speakers that highlight diversity in various fields and boost inclusion efforts among artists and designers of color. Faculty are also expanding upon the canons of the arts in their studios, classrooms, and ensembles. In addition, faculty and students have engaged in performance and research projects supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Current and recent projects
Visiting theatre professor Ron McClelland directed Pulitzer-Price Winning Play, Sweat. "If the audience listens well, they will understand that Sweat is not a story about “those people,” but it’s a story about us."
Dr. Sequina DuBose, assistant professor of voice, performed in Opera Carolina's production of George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess and released a new album, "Blurred Lines: 21st Century Hybrid Vocal Literature."
CarlosAlexis Cruz, Associate Professor of Theatre and the program director for the forthcoming Master of Fine Arts in Community-Centered Practice, received the Bonnie E. Cone Professorship in Civic Engagement.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and the Department of Music presented Crossing the Line to Freedom, an evening of music and poetry by African American artists.
Nadia Anderson, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, was appointed to join the City of Charlotte’s Equitable Development Commission.
Dance professor Tamara Williams received $20,000 to support the second annual LAVAGEM! African Brazilian arts festival.
Associate Professor of Dance continues her research on North Korean modern dance artist Choi Seung Hee.
Dance professor Ashley Tate was featured in a national initiative to honor civil rights histories.
Associate Professor of Theatre Carlos Cruz unleashes “La Bestia” to explore the journey of migrants.
Lydia Thompson received $3,000 to support the creation and preparations for the exhibition of Mumblings: After Hour Conversations featuring interviews with a select group of African Americans whose biographies include their living memories from the 1930s until present.
The CoA+A Digital Arts Center brought together more than 60 artists, designers and performers for a multimedia, interactive, electroacoustic extravaganza in "dys/connect." This performance was funded in part by a UNC Charlotte Inclusive Excellence Grant.
The Charlotte Strings Collective, composed of students, faculty, and alumni from UNC Charlotte and the community, presented a concert celebrating the music of Black composers. The spring 2023 concert was supported by a UNC Charlotte Inclusive Excellence Grant.
Journal Article highlights dance professor Kim Jones's company’s inclusive virtual dance classes.
The College of Arts + Architecture welcomed historian Dr. Willie Griffin to provide historical context and lead a discussion about the "New South."
The College of Arts + Architecture welcomed Teddy Cruz and Fonna Forman, principals in Estudio Teddy Cruz + Fonna Forman, to guide our understanding of the Global South.
UNC Charlotte Department of Dance hosted Lauren Anderson, the first African-American to be promoted to principal dancer at Houston Ballet, in residency.
Dance professor Tamara Williams continues her research on Ring Shout dance, first practiced by African people enslaved in the West Indies and the United States.
Voice professor Sequina DuBose was a Creative Director for the International Florence Price Festival, dedicated to the music of historically marginalized composers.