Known as “The City of Arts and Innovation,” Winston-Salem has quietly grown into one of the most vibrant cities in North Carolina. Founded in the 18th century by Moravians — a Protestant denomination known for craftsmanship, particularly in pottery, textiles, and woodworking — the city has long been a hub of artistry. These days, Winston-Salem’s creative roots have found new life in a thriving Winston-Salem arts scene, supported by a blooming population attracted to the city’s distinctive mix of Southern hospitality and inclusiveness.
Creative Cultivation
Underpinning the culture of creativity that pervades this city are numerous institutions, organizations, and groups that foster the creation, refinement, and appreciation of art. For example, UNC School of the Arts, which was the nation’s first public college for the performing arts, draws deeply talented high school and undergraduate students from around the globe to Winston-Salem, filling its theatres, performance halls, and galleries with their creations and its streets, green spaces, and coffee shops with their energy.
Similarly, nonprofit AFAS — Art for Art’s Sake — facilitates programs intended to uplift local artists and connect them to their neighbors through free events. Another Winston-Salem nonprofit Sawtooth School for Visual Art has been hosting classes, workshops, and community outreach programs since it was established in 1945. Together, these organizations help knit together the tapestry of creators that give this city soul.
Public Installations and Events
ARTivity on the Green
One of AFAS’ most prominent initiatives is ARTivity on the Green, an effort to transform a pockmarked parking lot in downtown Winston-Salem into a thoughtfully designed gathering space. Notably, the sculpture at the center of this greenspace evokes both the outline of the nearby R.J. Reynolds Building and Winston-Salem’s manufacturing history.
Wintson-Salem Art Crush
Unsurprisingly in a city this creative, Winston-Salem has a dedicated arts district. Here, a monthly block party called Art Crush brings art, music, and live performances to Third and Sixth Streets on select Fridays throughout the year. Each Art Crush centers around a distinct theme, and visitors can expect extended gallery hours.
Festivals
International Black Theatre Festival
Since its 1989 debut when Maya Angelou served as the inaugural chairperson, the International Black Theatre Festival (IBTF) has brought together over 65,000 guests to view over 100 performances, ranging from poetry jams to films to theater. The event occurs every other year and spans six days.
RiverRun International Film Festival
Discover more than 150 films at the RiverRun International Film Festival every April in Winston-Salem. Although the films span many genres, those in the animated and documentary shorts categories are of particular note, as select films may become eligible for an Academy Award through their appearance at RiverRun. Panels, galas, parties, and free outdoor screenings typically accompany the film festival.
Visual Arts
North Carolina Museum of Arts Winston-Salem
The NCMA hosts exhibitions and educational programs on a beautiful 32-acre estate formerly owned by industrialist James Hanes. Showcasing contemporary work from both national and international artists, the museum’s indoor and outdoor spaces bring patrons together for lectures, film screenings, and performances.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Ensconced on the sprawling estate formerly owned by tobacco tycoon R.J. Reynolds, the Reynolda House Museum of Modern Art is home to a collection of American art, as well as thousands of historic objects. The house itself has a seat on the National Register of Historic Places and perches on acres of carefully tended gardens and grounds. Careful to acknowledge the fraught history of tobacco farming in the piedmont, the Reynolda foregrounds the space’s modern mission of forging connections.
These are just a handful of the many venues, organizations, and events that are shaping and shaped by Winston-Salem’s active community of artists, creatives, and art enthusiasts. From independent picture houses to scrappy theater troupes to neighborhood pop art, the City of Arts and Innovation lives up to its name.
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