top of page

Where Creativity, Culture & Community Shape the Future

Who We Are

BUMP is more than a youth arts program—it’s a movement of multi-generational artists imagining and building a world rooted in heritage, connected in community, and bold in possibility. We are a creative home for youth shaping the future of art and culture. Grounded in the traditions, aesthetics, and innovations of the African diaspora, we nurture young creators through arts education, performance, storytelling, and mentorship from local African-diasporic  culture bearers. From classrooms and creative studios to festival stages and international experiences, BUMP is building the next generation of artists, innovators, and African-diasporic cultural leaders. We cultivate the confidence, pride, and creative power that fuels our collective futures.

What We Do

Our annual youth programming includes:

  • Weekly creative multidisciplinary youth arts arts classes in music, movement, theater, and visual art

  • Workshops & ensembles led by expert teaching artists

  • Performances & community events such as BUMP Jams and showcases

  • Heritage-based learning rooted in African diasporic practices and pedagogy

  • Creative youth leadership development & mentorship 

  • International cultural journeys, starting with Ghana in 2026

We design all our programs to affirm identity, nurture creative expression, and connect youth to culture as a wellspring of confidence opportunity, and innovation.

Upcoming Events

  • BUMP 1st Annual Recital
    BUMP 1st Annual Recital
    Sat, Apr 25
    North Carolina Central University
    Apr 25, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
    North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27707, USA
    https://givebutter.com/bumprecital2026
  • The Centennial of Robert Owens: Presented by Darryl Taylor
    The Centennial of Robert Owens: Presented by Darryl Taylor
    Fri, May 01
    May 01, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC 27707, USA
    https://givebutter.com/robertowenscentennial
  • Echoes and Ripples: A Cabaret Experience
    Echoes and Ripples: A Cabaret Experience
    Sat, May 02
    May 02, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Mettlesome Theater, 800 Taylor St Suite 9-156, Durham, NC 27701, USA
    https://givebutter.com/bumpcabaret2026
  • BUMP Jam: Student and Jegna Showcase
    BUMP Jam: Student and Jegna Showcase
    Sun, May 17
    Boricua Soul at American Tobacco Campus
    May 17, 2026, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Boricua Soul at American Tobacco Campus, 705 Willard St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
    https://givebutter.com/bumpjam2026
  • Cinderah: BUMP Annual Production
    Cinderah: BUMP Annual Production
    Fri, May 29
    PSI Theater in Durham, NC (ballet)
    May 29, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    PSI Theater in Durham, NC (ballet), 120 Morris St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
    https://givebutter.com/globalgriottheater

Follow us on Instagram

Community Partners

IMG_A21F446216C1-1.jpg
Lockup 3_4x.png
Screen Shot 2021-12-23 at 8.17.40 PM.png
MoBC screenshot.png
bottom of page