CAM serves as an economic engine for our region.

In FY 2023–2024, CAM generated $6.934 million in economic impact for eastern North Carolina through tourism, jobs, events, and local partnerships, based on data collected by UNCW’s Cameron School of Business. But that’s just the local story.

Nationally, the arts contribute 4.4% of the U.S. GDP, support 4.9 million jobs, and are proven to increase property values by up to 20% in neighborhoods with active cultural spaces. Research also shows that 53% of businesses value partnerships with the arts for encouraging creativity and innovation.

Through tourism, cultural events, and local job creation, your support helps fuel creative growth that extends far beyond the gallery walls.

Art has the power to heal, and at CAM, we witness that impact firsthand.

Whether it’s weekly Gentle Yoga in the galleries, monthly Connections sessions for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia, or Art Enhances Health classes for those facing cancer, these programs offer space for relief, connection, and strength.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, CAM is able to offer all of these wellness-centered programs completely free of charge, ensuring that the healing power of the arts is accessible to all who need it.

Nationally, the case for art and wellness is strong:

• Patients who view art in hospitals recover faster and require less pain medication
• Creative expression has been shown to boost memory, improve communication, and even strengthen immunity in patients with terminal illness
• Over 50% of U.S. hospitals now offer arts programming as part of patient care

CAM is a space where community grows.

Through inclusive programming, cultural connection, and access for all, CAM plays a vital role in strengthening the social fabric of our region.

In FY 2023–2024, CAM welcomed over 70,000 visitors, many of whom participated in programs designed to build community through the arts. These include:

• Free Community Days, inviting people of all backgrounds to enjoy the museum, make art, and engage with local artists
• Partnership with Museums for All, providing free admission for SNAP/EBT cardholders, helping reduce barriers to cultural access
• Multilingual programs, live performances, hands-on workshops, and festivals that bring together people across generations and neighborhoods

Research shows that arts-rich communities experience increased civic engagement, stronger social networks, and greater pride of place. In fact:

• Residents living near community art projects are 1.6x more likely to feel connected to neighbors
• 86% of participants in community arts initiatives say they’re more likely to get involved in future civic projects
• Areas with active arts programming see lower crime, higher test scores, and population growth

By supporting CAM, you’re helping cultivate a more connected and resilient community for all.

Preserving the past helps us shape a more informed, inclusive future.

At CAM, we believe that history and heritage are essential to understanding who we are and where we’re going. Through exhibitions, programs, and community partnerships, we preserve and share the stories that have shaped this region—especially those that have too often been overlooked.

Our work includes:

• Boundless and the PNC USCT Park, CAM’s permanent sculpture and public park honoring the United States Colored Troops
• Rotating exhibitions that explore Southern identity, cultural memory, and legacy
• Partnerships with historians, culture-bearers, and educators across North Carolina

Engaging with cultural heritage fosters understanding, strengthens civic pride, improves academic outcomes, and builds bridges between generations. According to national research:

• 68% of U.S. tourism includes visits to cultural heritage sites
• Children immersed in cultural heritage programs perform better in school and show stronger language and critical thinking skills
• Preserving history through the arts can support healing, reconciliation, and community empowerment

By supporting CAM, you help keep these stories alive, and ensure that the next generation can learn from them, build upon them, and carry them forward.

In FY 23-24, CAM welcomed more than 8,000 children. We were able to offer free school tours, hands-on art programs, and early childhood offerings like Mary’s Art Explorers. These programs spark curiosity, build confidence, and help young learners thrive in and beyond the classroom.

With your support, we can remove barriers to access in many ways, from hosting engaging, interactive programs for families year-round to partnering with schools, early learning centers, and community organizations to reach children across the region.

And the impact goes far beyond our walls.

Research shows that:

• Students who take four years of arts education score nearly 100 points higher on the SAT
• Arts-engaged youth are 2x more likely to graduate college
• For every $1 invested in youth arts programs, $9 is saved in reduced crime, improved academic performance, and higher earning potential
• Low-income students with arts access are 5x less likely to drop out

By supporting CAM, you’re helping shape our future leaders to be more creative, confident, and civically engaged.