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Artists and students urge Wake County to adopt cultural arts plan, stress equity and youth access
Summary
Multiple speakers, including arts leaders and a high‑school student, told the commissioners at the Jan. 20 meeting that the countywide cultural arts plan will expand access, support the creative economy and benefit students across Wake County.
Several speakers at the Jan. 20 public comment period urged commissioners to adopt the Wake County Cultural Arts Plan. Michelle Wethers, producing artistic director at Raleigh Little Theatre, said the county’s creative economy supports a large workforce and that investment in arts should be distributed across all municipalities.
"Creativity provides avenues to explore creativity, strengthen self confidence and provides a sense of belonging," Wethers said in support of the plan. She noted data in the countywide plan indicating the creative economy supports "tens of thousands of creative jobs" and urged the board to close the investment gap with peer communities.
United Arts representatives and teaching artists also addressed commissioners. Julia Mastropolo, Director of Arts Education at United Arts, and Amber Williamson, an artist from Zebulon, described programs that place artists in schools and said the plan will increase access to arts education and strengthen local cultural infrastructure. Enloe High freshman Neil Chaudhry said the arts have been central to his development and asked commissioners to fund the plan so students across Wake County can access classes and creative opportunities.
"This plan doesn't just support artists, it supports young people like me," Chaudhry said, calling arts access "what make my school days feel meaningful." Commissioners heard these comments before moving on to other public hearing items.
