CURRENT Artspace + Studio

The CURRENT ArtSpace + Studio in Chapel Hill, NC, is a cutting-edge venue designed to house Carolina Performing Arts’ experimental arts programs, situated in the heart of the Carolina Square development. This 4,000-square-foot space serves as a flexible black box theater, with innovative architectural features aimed at facilitating a wide range of performance configurations. The theater includes a 25-foot-wide operable wall that opens onto a public plaza, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, while a prominent glass façade makes activities inside visible to passersby. A distinctive angled feature wall enhances acoustic performance and provides a visual focal point. Paired with a 2,300-square-foot dance studio, the venue is purposefully designed to be adaptable, supporting various forms of performance art while maintaining visibility to the public. The design responds to the need for an immersive, intimate environment, with retractable seating allowing for multiple stage configurations. This integration of public engagement, artistic flexibility, and performance-driven architectural elements reflects the collaborative effort between the University, the town, and Lord Aeck Sargent, aiming to create a versatile and community-focused cultural hub.