Inspiring Conversations with Carly Jones of Artspace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly Jones

Hi Carly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Raleigh, and Artspace has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. As a child, I attended summer art camps here, where I first experienced the magic of being surrounded by working artists and the power of creative community. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong love for the arts and helped shape the path I would take.

I went on to study both music and arts administration, which allowed me to develop both my creative and leadership skills. I’ve worked at a number of arts nonprofits across the Triangle, gaining firsthand experience in how organizations support artists and engage communities. Later, I joined the North Carolina Arts Council, where I worked with artists and arts organizations across the state, helping to strengthen creative ecosystems and expand opportunities for artistic growth.

Alongside my work in arts organizations, I’ve also built a performing arts career, working regionally as an artist myself. Balancing my role at Artspace with my own creative process can be challenging, but I believe being an artist gives me a unique perspective in this job. I understand firsthand the barriers that artists face—whether financial, institutional, or systemic—and I am passionate about breaking those barriers down.

That passion extends beyond artists to audiences as well. I believe that everyone should have access to meaningful arts experiences, regardless of background or familiarity with the art world. Whether it’s emerging artists finding opportunities to grow, collectors discovering new work, or families walking into Artspace for the first time, I want to make sure that creativity feels welcoming and accessible to all.

In 2021, I became the President & CEO of Artspace, bringing my journey full circle. Leading the organization that once nurtured me as a young artist is an incredible honor and a way for me to give back to the community that raised me. Artspace has been a cornerstone of downtown Raleigh’s creative landscape for 40 years, and guiding it into its next chapter—through exciting transformations, a growing commitment to accessibility, and long-term sustainability—is work that I deeply believe in.

Right now, I’m focused on strengthening Artspace’s foundation—through strategic partnerships, artist-centered programming, and capital improvements—while ensuring we remain a vibrant, accessible hub for artists and audiences alike. With our 40th anniversary on the horizon, this is a pivotal and exciting moment, and I’m grateful to be part of shaping what comes next.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I don’t think meaningful work ever is. There’s no clear blueprint for a career in arts administration, and Artspace itself is a unique model—part art education, part public gallery, part artist studio space, part community hub. That uniqueness is what makes us so special, but it also means we’re constantly carving our own path, adapting to challenges without a clear roadmap.

Balancing financial growth, maintaining a historic building, and ensuring Artspace remains accessible while evolving with the needs of artists and the community is an ongoing challenge. The arts world can feel difficult to break into—both for artists seeking opportunities and for audiences who may feel disconnected from contemporary art spaces. I’m passionate about breaking down those barriers, but systemic change takes time and persistence.

On a personal level, balancing my own creative work with my leadership role can be challenging. Being both an artist and an arts administrator (and a new mother!) gives me a deep connection to this work, but it also means I feel the weight of making sure Artspace continues to thrive and I am many times wearing multiple hats.

Despite the challenges, I believe struggle leads to growth. Every obstacle reinforces why this work matters—why we need spaces where artists can flourish, where creativity is valued, and where communities can connect through the arts. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Artspace?
Artspace is a nonprofit visual arts center in downtown Raleigh, dedicated to supporting artists, engaging the community, and making contemporary visual art accessible to all. For 40 years, we’ve been a home for creativity—providing artist studios, exhibitions, education programs, and residencies that nurture both emerging and established artists.

What sets Artspace apart is our unique model. We’re not just a gallery or a studio space—we’re an active, working arts community where visitors can interact with artists, watch the creative process unfold, and experience it firsthand in a more personal, immersive way. We break down barriers between artists and audiences, making visual art more approachable and engaging for everyone.

We’re especially proud of our commitment to artist development. Through our residency programs, exhibitions, and professional opportunities, we help artists grow their careers while connecting them with the broader community. Our education programs serve all ages—from youth to adults—ensuring that creativity is accessible to everyone. Our Artspace on the Go program reaches families without access to transportation, bringing art directly to them in their communities. Additionally, our scholarship program for summer camp ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent kids from exploring their creativity and artistic potential.

As the largest community of visual artists under one roof in North Carolina, Artspace is a unique and vital resource for the arts in our state. We own our building in the historic district of City Market, anchoring our cultural landscape in downtown Raleigh and beyond. The arts are an essential piece of any rapidly growing city, helping to define its identity and create a dynamic environment for both residents and visitors alike.

Our mission is to inspire positive community impact through art. We are deeply committed to fostering creativity, expanding access to the arts, and ensuring that artists have the space and support they need to thrive. As we approach our 40th anniversary, we continue to champion the value of artists and the arts in society, offering new and innovative ways for the community to engage with the creative process.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe the most important quality to my success is a deep sense of curiosity. I’m constantly learning—about art, people, and the ever-evolving landscape of the nonprofit world. This curiosity keeps me open to new ideas and collaborative solutions, helping me adapt and stay connected to both the artists we serve and the community we engage with. It’s about never losing sight of the bigger picture while also embracing the small details that make a real difference. That balance of community and curiosity is what allows me to grow and guide Artspace in a way that’s always responsive to the needs of our region and artists.

Pricing:

• Visit Artspace: Free
• Art Sales: $75 – $5k
• Rent the Gallery for an Event: $2k-3k
• Workshops and Classes: $35-$125
• Send a Child to Summer Camp: $500 per week of camp

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artspacenc.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artspacenc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artspacenc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artspacenc/posts/?feedView=all
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/artspacenc