Secretary Kluttz and N.C. humorist Jeanne Robertson
The arts have always been a strong economic engine in North Carolina, and an integral part of that is ArtsMarket, produced by the N.C. Arts Council since 1998. Secretary Susan Kluttz welcomed the attendees and introduced the first featured artist and keynote speaker, Jeanne Robertson. The Secretary noted the collaborative spirit and inspiration brought to the event with the long-standing partnership between the N.C. Presenters Consortium and the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources through the N.C. Arts Council.
Secretary Kluttz and Vicki Vitiello, Senior Program Director at the N.C. Arts Council
ArtsMarket is one of the best places in the Southeast for performers and booking agents to get together in an environment of 15-minute artist showcases that highlight everything from singers to modern dance companies to comedians hoping to be hired to travel to venues around the country and the world. This year’s attendance is almost 600 including almost 250 exhibitors. The conference has grown significantly since 2000, when it was held in Wilmington with a total of 200 attendees and 80 exhibitor booths. The conference is not open to the public.