Durham Next Invests $535,000 to Support Community-led Festivals, Events and Experiences

For Immediate Release:

Tourism Economic Development Nonprofit Awards Inaugural Recipients of its Community Investment Program 

[DURHAM, N.C.] August 4, 2026 — Durham Next, an economic development organization focused on tourism, is investing $535,000 in local festivals, community events and cultural experiences through the first round of its Community Investment Program, marking a major step in implementing Durham’s Destination Master Plan. The inaugural awards support projects that attract visitors, drive economic opportunities for locals and celebrate the culture and creativity that define Durham’s destination character. 

“One of Durham Next’s responsibilities is to help turn the community’s 20-year vision into visible progress,” said Tara Kenchen, executive director of Durham Next. “When visitors come to Durham, they bring new dollars into our local economy. Through this program, we’re reinvesting a portion of those dollars into the local festivals, events and activations that help the community attract the resources it needs to support those who live and work here, while holding onto the character that makes Durham, Durham.” 

The Community Investment Program includes two funding opportunities designed to strengthen Durham’s visitor economy. 

Accelerate: A Durham Festival Collective 

Accelerate is a multi-year investment program that helps established Durham festivals grow, become more sustainable and attract larger audiences. The initiative supports one of the Destination Master Plan’s strategic goals by bolstering the locally driven events that define Durham’s identity, encourage visitation and increase the overall economic impact that festivals create in the community. 

In this pilot year, five festivals have been selected to participate in the Collective. Each organization may receive up to $100,000 annually, along with business coaching, strategic planning, marketing support and assistance navigating local government processes.  

2026 Accelerate Collective 

• American Dance Festival: $100,000 to support marketing, promotion and partnership development 

• Full Frame Film Festival: $100,000 to support marketing, venue expansion and accessibility improvements 

• Hayti Heritage Film Festival: $50,000 to support marketing, event costs and volunteer support 

• Iron Pour: $50,000 to support extended programming 

• Parrish Street Ride, Run, Walk: $100,000 to support marketing, venue costs and participant experience  

Durham Next Impact Fund 

The Durham Next Impact Fund provides matching investments of $10,000 to $25,000 for community-led events and projects that create memorable visitor experiences while delivering measurable value to Durham residents. 

This year, Durham Next will invest a total of $135,000 across six community projects that align with the Destination Master Plan and demonstrate the potential to attract visitors, support local businesses and strengthen Durham’s destination appeal.  

2026 Impact Fund Recipients 

• A City of Wonder by Downtown Durham Inc. ($25,000): a month-long holiday celebration in downtown Durham designed to unite and expand existing holiday activations 

• BOOMSlang by BOOM Club ($25,000): brings together internationally acclaimed artists, emerging voices and local innovators for a series of performances, workshops, conversations and community events 

• Breathe Parrish by Bright Black. ($25,000): a scent-integrated augmented reality experience honoring Parrish Street — the original Black Wall Street — in the heart of downtown Durham 

• Bull City Blues Ramble by Alice Sharpe ($15,000): a free, multi-venue showcase of local Blues artists 

• Durham FRINGE Festival by The Carolina Theatre of Durham ($25,000): a vibrant, multi-day celebration dedicated to making the performing arts universally accessible, inclusive and deeply embedded within the Durham community 

• Signal Exchange by Slingshot Festival ($20,000): a new, international commissioning initiative that positions Durham as a global center for artistic collaboration, innovation and cultural exchange 

“Our Board of Directors has identified priority projects from the Destination Master Plan (DMP) for Durham Next to action first — ranging from infrastructure projects like a multipurpose sports facility to projects that instill community pride like the installation of Durham-branded welcome signage at Raleigh-Durham International Airport,” said Kenchen. “Before introducing new projects to the community, it is important for us to invest in the creativity and character that’s already here. These investments help expand and deepen signature Durham events while building momentum for future opportunities.” 

Applications for both funding opportunities were accepted from May 15 through June 15, with Durham Next receiving 30 Accelerate applications and 28 Impact Fund applications. 

Submissions were reviewed by the Community Investment Review Team with representation from Durham Next staff, Durham Next’s Community Advisory Council, Discover Durham staff, the City’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development, Durham Cultural Advisory Board and Durham Parks and Recreation. 

Applications were assessed for their potential to expand their audiences and experiences, attract visitors, strengthen Durham’s economy, celebrate local culture, benefit residents and demonstrate organizational readiness. Final funding recommendations were approved by the Durham Next Board. 

To learn more about the Community Investment Program, visit durhamnext.org/community-investment-program. To explore additional projects Durham Next is advancing in partnership with the community, visit durhamnext.org/project-tracker.