Durham Next has launched a feasibility study to assess the possibility of a new music and live events venue in downtown Durham. The evaluation will be led in partnership with DPAC, the Durham Performing Arts Center, to explore development options to address the ongoing booking demand that outpaces the venue’s availability.

Since 2008, DPAC has welcomed more than seven million guests and hosted over 3,300 events. Consistently ranked among the top theaters in the country, the venue receives more interest from national and regional tours than it can accommodate, resulting in millions of dollars of lost economic impact for the community. Meanwhile, demand is growing for flexible, general admission venues that can support the festival-style experience increasingly expected by performers and audiences across genres. With 30 venues of this type already open nationwide and another 25 planned or under construction, the market is moving in a clear direction, and Durham has an opportunity to keep pace.

The selected consultant will provide a clear, data-driven analysis to inform strategic decisions, including specific recommendations on viability, scale, positioning and long-term sustainability. Durham Next will then ensure its Community Advisory Council is activated, supporting a larger community engagement phase of the project dependent on the study’s initial findings.

Following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, Johnson Consulting has been selected to lead the feasibility study for this project. They have begun hosting listening sessions with key stakeholders and assessing options for downtown locations that would produce the most community and economic benefit. We anticipate learning more about feasible options for this project later this summer.

• Durham Next Launches Initial Feasibility Study for New Music and Live Events Venue Downtown, Durham Next News & Updates