In 1949, Winston-Salem became the first city in the nation to establish a local arts council—a groundbreaking idea that would shape the cultural identity of our community for decades to come. Today, as the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County celebrates its 75th anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on how profoundly this organization has woven the arts into the fabric of our daily lives.
Building a City of Arts & Innovation
From its earliest days, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has been more than a funding body—it has been a vision-caster. By prioritizing the arts, Winston-Salem earned its reputation as the “City of Arts & Innovation.” The Arts Council’s work has shown time and again that creativity isn’t just a luxury; it is central to building strong, healthy, connected communities.
Through grants, residencies, and partnerships, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has supported more than 200 local arts organizations—from beloved theatre companies to the Winston-Salem Symphony, Piedmont Craftsmen, and Carolina Music Ways. Whether it’s fiscal sponsorship for student films from UNC School of the Arts or discounted theatre space for resident companies, the Arts Council has ensured the arts remain accessible and sustainable.
The Heart of Arts Education
Imagine Winston-Salem without the Arts Council’s support in schools: arts teachers stretched across multiple campuses, students with little access to instruments, supplies, or enrichment programs. Instead, thanks to programs like artist residencies, school sponsorships, and Forsyth County ARPA dollars, thousands of children experience hands-on learning in visual arts, music, and theatre each year. These programs spark creativity while also preserving regional traditions, such as Carolina Music Ways’ exploration of North Carolina’s musical roots. Last year alone, Arts Council provided Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools $256K for Arts in Education funding and $125K in direct support for teachers’ school supplies.
A Hub for Creativity
The Arts Council’s physical presence downtown—at 251 N. Spruce Street—has become a true cultural hub. The Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts houses three theatres, two galleries, community gift shops featuring independent artists, and Sawtooth School for Visual Art. Rotating exhibitions, workshops, and performances ensure the space is always alive with activity. Resident companies and visiting performers alike rely on the Arts Council’s facilities, staff, and resources to bring their work to the stage.
Beyond downtown, the Arts Council invests in community-wide access. Free art classes in Lewisville, public art projects like the towering mural on Highway 52, and wellness initiatives such as Creative Wellness Day showcase the Arts Council’s belief that art belongs to everyone.
Arts as a Pathway to Well-Being
Over the last decade, the Arts Council has leaned into the idea that art does more than inspire—it heals. Its “Arts for Everybody” initiative explored how creative expression prevents social isolation, fosters dialogue across divides, and promotes healthier, more resilient communities. Record levels of funding from Forsyth County during the pandemic helped artists and organizations recover and continue serving the public, proving that when the arts thrive, so does the community.
Why Support Matters
As the Arts Council celebrates 75 years, its message is clear: giving to the Arts Council is the single most effective way to support all the arts in Winston-Salem. Every theatre company, every gallery, every artist—from the ones you know to the ones you have yet to discover—benefits from the Arts Council’s leadership and resources.
Looking ahead, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is calling on private investors and community members to step up alongside federal and state funding. The arts are not a luxury; they are a driver of economic growth, a source of pride, and a powerful connector of human experience.
75 Years Strong
For three-quarters of a century, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has been a force for creativity, equity, and innovation. Its legacy is etched not only in the city’s cultural reputation but also in the lives of students, artists, and community members who have discovered joy, healing, and connection through the arts.
As Winston-Salem celebrates this milestone, the question is not simply how the Arts Council has shaped our past—but how, together, we will shape the next 75 years of creativity in the City of Arts & Innovation.
