Living Arts Collective: Connection through Creative Expression and Artistic Enrichment

The Living Arts Collective was founded by Aubrey Griffith-Zill in 2016 as a place of creative expression and artistic enrichment and it has grown since then to embody a range of arts and practitioners. Aubrey nurtured the inspiration for the Living Arts Collective from a young age, and imagined a community space where artists, creatives, and wellness practitioners could connect and flourish together. She dreamed of a collective that showcased artists, somatic, and wellness practitioners and invited community members to feel comfortable building and nurturing their gifts.

Living Arts Collective has grown from a dream into an intergenerational and multicultural community where innovators, activists, artists, practitioners of sound, movement, and wellness launch their ideas, express their hearts, learn, exchange, grow, and receive recognition for their work. Aubrey shared the story of performing at the Carolina Theatre for Hispanic Heritage Month and why the arts are so important to the community.

“Our recent collaboration with Shana and the Carolina Theatre of Durham has been a deeply fulfilling and joyful experience. From the very start, the energy of our shared vision for weaving community through rhythm and dance was met with excitement and support. The synergy between our organizations made every step of the process smooth and vibrant, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring this event to life. 

At Living Arts Collective (LAC), it has always been a priority to offer accessible programming that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. This collaboration was a beautiful reflection of that commitment. It is so important to us to create spaces where the joy of movement, rhythm, and culture can be shared freely with the community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their experience or resources, can participate while also paying and feeding the artist and musicians well.  

The event we co-produced on Sunday, September 15th, was a continuation of an ongoing collaboration with LAC and Africa Unplugged with special presentations featuring El Centro Hispano and Mambo Dinámico Dance Co., was a beautiful showcase of diversity and unity. It was a true celebration of Latin dance and rhythms, drawing together various cultural influences and offering an interactive experience for people of all backgrounds and ages.  

With demonstrations from renowned artists like Baba Bradley Simmons, Baba Vladimir Espinosa, Zuheil Alvarez Cortes, Betto Herrera, Takiri Folclore Latino, Atiba Rorie, and Beverly Botsford, the event was alive with the energy of shared movement and culture. A few surprise guests added an extra layer of excitement, and the nod to the Argentinian Malambo brought something special to the experience. 

This free workshop welcomed everyone, whether seasoned dancers or those who simply love to move. We are already dreaming up new collaborations that will continue to embrace the power of rhythm and dance, with exciting opportunities on the horizon for people of all ages. Thank you to everyone who contributed, and we look forward to continuing to grow together as a vibrant community of movement and creativity. 

These community programs are made possible by you and the support you show to all arts and education organizations who serve our community. Please consider making a gift to make these programs and events accessible to all audiences throughout the greater Triangle. The Carolina Theatre Board of Trustees will match every donation dollar-for-dollar through December 31st and your gift makes a difference! 

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