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Urban Artist Exchange
Amphitheater

Cityfest programs have become a symbol of optimism and positivity for the community, offering a range of engaging and inspiring events that bring people together and promote a sense of unity and belonging. This project combines previously stand-alone programs and launches a new initiative:

Arts Education Spaces

Most project activities take place at The Urban Artist Exchange and Clifford Brown Listening Garden. The UAE converted decades-long abandoned Wilmington Police Department horse stables into a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, creative destination. UAE houses eight three-season art and teaching studios, a group exhibition/gathering area, an outdoor open-seat amphitheater, an underground wastewater management system, and environmentally sustainable landscaping. The Listening Garden is the site of “Twin Obelisks for Brownie” sculpted by local artist Rick Rothrock. The UAE and Clifford Brown Listening Garden are in Wilmington’s East Side Historic District, which is one of the city’s traditionally African American communities and is within walking distance from other artistically undernourished neighborhoods.

Levitt AMP Wilmington
Music Series

The Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series 2025, which is held weekly for 10 weeks, is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which partners with changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused outdoor spaces, creating welcoming and inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together, fosters belonging, and invigorates community life. In addition, the Urban Artist Exchange (UAE) Concert Series will showcase musical artists across all genres to promote cross-cultural exposure with local and regional artists as opening performers. The UAE Amphitheater is open and accessible to all, with ADA-compliant entrances and lighted pathways. Locations outside of the UAE are also required to have the same.

Located in Wilmington’s East Side, a predominantly African American neighborhood, the music series will invest in the artistic equity of the city, helping to reshape the community’s identity, stimulate civic engagement, and inspire economic growth through the power of free, live music. The Levitt AMP Wilmington Music Series at Urban Artist Exchange [UAE] Amphitheater will bring a dynamic addition to the city of nearly 71,000—presenting stellar live music as part of the area’s cultural renaissance and creating a pulse point where community members gather.

 

Rendering of Artist Studio

Rendering of Group Studio

Rendering of the Amphitheater

Invest In the Vision: Founders Booklet

Arts Work Apprenticeship Program

Cityfest Arts Work Youth Apprenticeship Program (Ages 14-20)

Arts Work is a year-round paid and unpaid apprenticeship opportunity that teaches youth apprentices ages 14-20 artistic, personal, and entrepreneurial skills in the context of creating sellable artwork; working in conjunction with the Wilmington Black Storytelling Residency (WBSR) that will provide five 90- minute sessions that include group instruction, culture, history, music and movement through storytelling. The WBSR will invite local and regional teaching artists including Project Director TAHIRA to walk the youth through the composition and performance of storytelling.