Curating Community with Nori McDuffie

“Art can only be done in isolation, but for so long. It is meant to be done in collaboration with others. That is how you prevail. That is how you really make the most of a project.”-Nori McDuffieIn this episode of the Durham Artist Archive (DAA), I catch up with curator and photographer Nori McDuffie, a Durham native whose passion for archiving, storytelling, and community-building has helped shape the city’s creative and youth landscape. We trace Nori’s path from exploring family scrapbooks as a kid to leading youth councils, curating shows like “Mali to Raleigh,” and helping found the presently named Durham Powerful Arts Collective (it’s new name is to come!). Along the way, we dig into what it means to keep a record of this moment in Durham’s cultural history, why collaboration is the heartbeat of community, and the different ways that Nori has gotten involved that others could also partake in. And not only did we talk about Nori, but he flipped the script and asked me a few questions about the future of the Durham Artist Archive and the history I see this podcast being apart of. It was really refreshing (although it caught me off guard) to be asked questions and I hope that between us, something resonate with you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:* How community-driven exhibitions come together—from concept to opening night* The power of youth councils and advisory boards to shape local arts policy* Building an artist collective that uplifts emerging voicesListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify🫱🏾‍🫲🏼 Connect with Nori McDuffie:https://www.instagram.com/shotbynori/👋🏽 Connect with me, Alyssa Cuffie Onuoha:https://www.instagram.com/alwhyssa/https://www.instagram.com/womanifestomag/alyssacuffie.comwomanifestomag.com☕️ Support the Pod:https://ko-fi.com/alwhyssa✏️ Additional Details:Sponsored by VAE Raleigh and their Snapdragon GrantRecorded at Queeny's in DurhamThanks for reading The Durham Artist Archive! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Get full access to The Durham Artist Archive at durhamartistarchive.substack.com/subscribe