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The local development series turning artists into entrepreneurs

Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County recently launched a new initiative aimed at empowering local creators.

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Three people sit in a studio with mics in front of them and headphones on.

Artistic endevours come in all mediums.

Photo provided by Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County

Do you have an artistic vision just waiting to be realized? Or a creative small biz that could use a boost?

The 2025 Artful Entrepreneur Professional Development Series, made possible by Truist Charitable Fund, might be just the resource to help you take that next step.

What it is

This new initiative from Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County combines creativity and entrepreneurship to equip local creators with the modern tools and know-how they need to turn great ideas into thriving businesses.

From artistic resources and dedicated workspaces to personalized support in marketing, organization, and business management, The Artful Entrepreneur is about building pathways to economic mobility through professional development.

How you can participate

This is where you come in. Applications open on Saturday, Feb. 15, for the upcoming 2025 Artistic Elements cohort.

Admitted artists will join fellow aspiring entrepreneurs in a multi-month residency dedicated to professional and creative development. They’ll receive personalized support from Arts Council, as well as from community partners that include The CMPND, Mixxer, and Hustle WS.

See last year’s success stories

Arts Council has been providing similar support for the last five years in the form of community partnerships and independent artist career grants.

The results of their most recent commitment are already on display at the Artistic Elements Resident Showcase, which opened to the public on Thursday, Jan. 30.

The free display highlights the work of the seven artists in the 2024 cohort, all of whom recently completed their own Artistic Elements residency at The CMPND.

Stay in the art loop

For up-to-date info on The 2025 Artful Entrepreneur, as well as resources and opportunities throughout WS and Forsyth County, add your name to the official email list.

Bonus: You’ll receive a handy reminder when the 2025 applications go live. Sign up for updates.

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