NNENNA & PHIL FREELON
Visionary Founders
After four decades of producing award winning music and architecture, Nnenna and Phil directed their artistic energy toward Durham’s growing economic engine with the goal of providing an arts and cultural space that is openly accessible to all Durhamites. As gentrification threatens to displace and marginalize our community, Northstar Church of the Arts provides a welcoming, safe and vibrant environment for sharing art in all its form – right in the heart of the city.
Staff
Lauren Garcia
Executive Director
Lauren Garcia serves as the Executive Director of NorthStar Church of the Arts, bringing a dynamic combination of leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to equity and community engagement. Her professional expertise spans public relations, event production, and community organizing, with high-profile collaborations featured in outlets like Vanity Fair and The New York Times. Previously, she held roles in affordable housing and homelessness advocacy, contributing to statewide initiatives that addressed critical social issues. A former affiliate at UNC CITAP, Lauren’s published research explores digital communication and the way platforms shape society.
Since joining NorthStar, Lauren has driven organizational growth and sustainability through innovative programming, enhanced financial systems, and a renewed focus on community-centered initiatives. Under her leadership, the organization has secured major grants that have strengthened its role as a vital space for creativity, connection, and healing in Durham.
An accomplished musician and artist, Lauren’s work explores themes of memory, resilience, and community, often using multimedia to amplify underrepresented voices. Her creative practice and advocacy align seamlessly with NorthStar’s mission to empower marginalized artists and provide inclusive spaces for expression and social change. She believes in art as a tool for collective liberation and envisions a future where creative spaces belong to the people they serve.
Have a question, idea, or strategy? You can reach her at lauren@northstardurham.com.
Matt Phillips
Venue Manager
Matt comes from a long line of southern preachers, but he left his faith behind in pursuit of a wider perspective. He's spent countless hours in front of a crowd - from the North Carolina Boys Choir & street corner acoustic sets to session guitar work in blues, funk, and Latin music with your favorite Durham musicians.
Matt also has a reputation as your favorite venues’ favorite sound tech, the resident expert at The Pinhook, Transfer Co, with GSF Audio and more. He manages our cables and our team of techs here, advancing shows with care alongside a decade of experience in live event production.
Matt is always up for a conversation about tech possibilities at NorthStar. You can reach him at tech@northstardurham.com.
MEET THE BOARD!
Ayana Burke
Pierce Freelon
Geoff Hathaway
Nnenna Freelon (Board Chair)
Randi Vega (Treasurer)
NorthStar is grateful to be advised by a diverse group of artists, faith leaders, academics, community organizers, earth mammas, astrologists and entrepreneurs. In 2025, we will expand our board and welcome new talent.
Interested in joining? Email info@northstardurham.com!
