Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> "It was wonderful! In our opinion, this is one of the best events and brings so many eyes to Hillsborough, when so <br /> many of them are usually on Chapel Hill and Carborro." <br /> -Downtown Hillsborough business owner <br /> "This is my families favorite art event in the area. it allows us to explore each town and creates memories and <br /> discussions." <br /> -Downtown Chapel Hill business owner <br /> "Downtown was much more lively throughout the week during a time it is usually very slow." <br /> -Downtown Hillsborough business owner <br /> "I thought it was a fantastic event! I have done Artprize before and I feel like this is just like a smaller version that <br /> feels just as professional and has just as amazing art." <br /> -2025 participating artist <br /> CHALLENGES <br /> • Fundraising: Economic strain and post-storm recovery made fundraising difficult.After the July 7 flooding of the <br /> Eno Arts Mill from Chantal,the focus of the community and consequently, donations, shifted to storm relief.As <br /> a result of these challenges,the towns each contributed an extra $5K (totaling$13K each), and the County filled <br /> the remaining gap.The Orange County Arts Alliance raised $84,505 in private support, but increased public <br /> backing from non-County partners is needed going forward. <br /> • Town Support: Support levels varied by town. In Chapel Hill, issues included ordinances, unexpected <br /> construction, and signage and communication challenges. Future discussions are needed to confirm Uproar's <br /> priority status across all towns. <br /> • Logistics: Chantal struck just two weeks before installation, damaging OCAC facilities and creating uncertainty <br /> about the festival's future. Despite setbacks, partners and staff rallied to move forward—working tirelessly from <br /> July 7-21 to ensure Uproar happened, providing a much-needed boost for the community. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: Uproar supports: <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> o OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the <br /> community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.) <br /> • GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY <br /> o OBJECTIVE 1. Provide family-oriented and inclusive programming or other cultural events for residents <br /> and visitors. <br /> o OBJECTIVE 4. Provide resources to small, creative, and agro-businesses that add character and quality of <br /> life to our community to attract employers, employees, and visitors. <br />