In April, the Student Artery, a student-run art gallery, was forced to move from its Rosemary Street location. Last year in August, the Chapel Hill Museum was forced to close. We consider the closing of both organizations to reflect the detrimentally low priority of the arts in the community.
These organizations provided important outlets for art and education in the community. In the wake of budget cuts in the community and University system, the student body needs to take action in order to prevent the atrophy of Chapel Hill’s artistic body.
In addition to focusing on displaying student-created art, the Artery sought to promote artistic expression and collaboration of all kinds.
With its opening in 2009, the Artery was primarily funded by grants and a private donation, which helped the Artery transform a donated storefront into an art gallery.
The Artery has been forced to move before, but Kate St. John, the summer curator and next year’s co-director, explained that they have effectively been forced to squat wherever they can find space.
Although the Artery’s closing was not a direct casualty of budget cuts, its difficulties staying open represent the frightening lack of demand for the arts in Chapel Hill.
The Chapel Hill Museum, a privately-owned organization, received funding from the town and contained a number of historical exhibits.
The museum collected memorabilia that recounted the history of Chapel Hill and the University. It operated for 17 years and held educational safety programs that taught more than 75,000 children.
The museum was forced to close when the town had to cut its already miniscule funding to less than one percent of the town’s operating budget. The museum was forced to sell its exhibits, including the first car ever sold on Franklin Street, to cover its debts.
