UNC-Chapel Hill is bringing several of its prominent arts and cultural institutions together under a new leadership structure designed to expand public access, encourage collaboration and strengthen the University’s connections with communities across North Carolina.

Elizabeth Engelhardt, Carolina’s inaugural vice provost for arts and culture, is leading efforts to align Carolina’s growing network of arts and cultural initiatives. As part of the expanded structure, the North Carolina Botanical Garden and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will join the arts and culture portfolio, bringing both organizations under Engelhardt’s guidance.

“Arts and culture create spaces for connection, curiosity and wonder, reminding us of our shared capacity to imagine, create and see the world in new ways,” said Engelhardt, who also serves as a professor in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences’ American studies department. “By bringing these extraordinary institutions together, we have an opportunity to deepen those connections and invite even more people into that experience.”

The realignment reflects Carolina’s commitment to elevating the role of arts and culture across the University and creating stronger connections among its cultural institutions. By working more closely across disciplines, the organizations can develop new partnerships and programming that bring together performance, visual art, science and the natural world while expanding opportunities for students, faculty and the public.

The arts and culture portfolio includes the Ackland Art Museum, Carolina Performing Arts, PlayMakers Repertory Company, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, programs within the College of Arts and Sciences and other cultural initiatives across campus.

While these organizations have historically operated independently, they share audiences, educational goals and opportunities for collaboration. The new structure is intended to build on those existing connections while creating additional opportunities for interdisciplinary programming, shared outreach and public engagement.

The University will also explore opportunities to connect cultural programming across campus and throughout the state, giving students, faculty, visitors and communities more ways to engage with Carolina’s arts, cultural and educational resources.