07.18.2024

Today’s Forecast

87º | 70% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:18 a.m. | Sunset 8:36 p.m.

What’s the point of the Arts Council?

What’s the point of Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County?

Presented by a WStoday partner

Arts Council supports local arts events like concerts with the Winston-Salem Symphony, ART Crush, a master class with 9th Wonder, theatre performances, the Parks Concert Series, and so much more. | Photos provided by Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County

You may not realize it, but you benefit from the hard work that Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County does every day.

But what exactly is the Arts Council and why does it matter?

Here are six reasons the organization’s efforts, existence + advocacy are so important to the region (and you).

It’s the arts, but better

While they may need no introduction to Winstonians who do practically anything locally, Arts Council has been the chief driver and advocate for the arts since 1949.

Now, 75 years later, Arts Council is a critical supporter, funder, and producer of local arts + cultural experiences. In short — they fuel the arts scene, local events, and economic growth throughout the region.

It’s ($196 million) good for the economy

Forsyth County’s nonprofit arts and culture industry annually generates ~$196 million in economic activity. By the numbers, we see:

$101.4 million generated by nonprofit arts + culture organizations
$94.9 million generated by audience event-related spending
2,472 jobs supported
$34.1 million in local, state, and federal government revenue generated
800,000 individuals (yep, that includes you) impacted by grants

It ensures the arts (and artists) thrive

In 2023, Arts Council held 670 events on their campus, encompassing Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Hanesbrands Theatre, Sawtooth School for Visual Art + more.

Additionally, they fuel thousands of community events every year, which not only makes living locally fun, but also gives local artists a vitally important platform to perform, promote, and create.

Local businesses benefit, too

According to a 2022 study, a typical local attendee spends $52.17 per person per event not including admission, and non-locals (~33% of attendees) spend $83.16. Doing the math: That’s a huge source of income for local businesses.

It’s the region’s largest funder of arts education

Arts Council’s Arts-in-Education Grant funds art programs that connect artists + arts organizations with over 33,000 K-12 students.

It’s made possible by you

Want to make a difference? Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is supported and sustained by the community. Support the arts by giving or attending events.

Support local arts

Asked

Which arts + culture event or program do you get most excited about?

A. Local concerts
B. Theatre + film
C. Community classes
D. Gallery exhibits
E. Lectures + speakers
F. Other

We want to know

Events

Thursday, July 18

Third Thursdays at Sparq | Thursday, July 18 | 4-6 p.m. | Sparq, 486 N. Patterson Ave, 2nd Floor, Winston-Salem | Free | Connect with other small businesses while enjoying food and drinks.

Friday, July 19

The Breakdown Ft. Culture WS | Friday, July 19 | 7-10 p.m. | DOSE Artist Collective, 606 Trade St. NW, Winston-Salem | Free | Experiment with various electronic instruments and rhythms as Creative Director Zach McCraw leads the music jam session.
Occupational Therapy Assistive Technology Demonstration | Friday, July 19 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Generations Center, WSSU School of Health Sciences space, 114 W. 30th St., Ste. 300, Winston-Salem | Free | Watch a demo on devices that may make everyday activities easier and safer for many people.
Winston-Salem Dash vs. Asheville Tourists | Friday, July 19 | 7 p.m. | Truist Stadium, 951 Ballpark Way, Winston-Salem | $13-$53 | End your week with a bang — stick around after the game for a fireworks show.*

Saturday, July 20

“Bridgerton” Tea Party | Saturday, July 20 | 5-7 p.m. | Pink Moon Cafe, 848 W. 5th St., Winston-Salem | $0-$44 | Indulge in a variety of teas and delicious snacks while mingling with fellow tea enthusiasts.
Hands-on History Day | Saturday, July 20 | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Historic Bethabara Park, 2147 Bethabara Rd., Winston-Salem | Free | Interact with an 18th century candle maker, blacksmith, woodworker, and explore archaeological ruins.
Music Beats on the Rooftop | Saturday, July 20 | 7-11 p.m. | ROAR, The Mayfair Lounge, 633 N. Liberty St., Winston-Salem | Cost of purchase | Jazz pianist Reggie Buie brings his Chicago roots to the stage along with other artists like DJ Chubbs, DJ CJ, and DJ Professor.

Sunday, July 21

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners | Sunday, July 21 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Joymongers Barrel Hall, 480 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | $65 | Learn how to add unique lettered details to your snail mail, wedding paper goods, or home decor.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Real Estate

The community slated for build-to-rent units located at 4400 Styers Ferry Rd. will turn into a single-family subdivision with green space and a clubhouse. Lennar Corp. purchased over 100 lots on the property located off of Country Club Road. (Triad Business Journal)

Transit

Got a say on what roads should look like? Give your input to city officials on how the extension of Shorefair Drive through Whitaker Park should be constructed on Monday, July 22. The community meeting will take place at Hanes Hosiery Community Center (501 Reynolds Blvd.) from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Cause

Join a panel discussion at the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary event on Thursday, July 25. Mingle with others at Forsyth County Central Library (660 W. 5th St.) from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and celebrate health care accomplishments within the industry — RSVP ahead of time.

Concert

Watch hip-hop producer and Winston-Salem native 9th Wonder and DJ SK perform at “95 Live!” on Friday, Aug. 2 at The Ramkat and Gas Hill Drinking Room. The show will start at 9 p.m. — tickets cost $20+.

Closed

Six Hundredº is temporarily closed through today, July 18 due to an accident above its space. Stay tuned to the restaurant’s social media updates to see when it will reopen.

Try This

Want to make your own ice cream at home? Watch Dream Kreams share some homemade recipes like an iced latte with ice cream cold foam and pineapple sherbet. Check out our list of where to find treats to cool off during the summer around the Twin City.

Edu

Are you a career changer looking for something new? See how Forsyth Tech’s 150+ flexible, affordable programs can get you wherever you want to go. Psst: Applications are open for the Fall 2024 semester.*

Older Adults

Pain doesn’t have to be a “normal” part of aging. Hear from Novant Health interventional pain physician Dr. Ankur Patel about the No. 1 thing you can do to prevent pain as you age — plus a whole bunch of advice and questions answered.*

Announced

🏀 Scoring big on and off the courts

Forsyth Tech reveals its first athletic programs coming in the 2025-2026 school year

The sports programs foster a sense of community while cultivating collaboration and healthy competition among students. | Photo by WStoday

Innovation continues at Forsyth Tech. Back in March, the school announced its first athletic director. Now, we’re getting to see what sports will launch. Drumroll, please.

The school will host women’s volleyball games starting August 1, 2025 and men’s basketball on October 1, 2025.

The community college is keeping its promise to bring a well rounded college experience. This new initiative will help students extend beyond academics while strengthening a sense of school pride.

Got what it takes to lead Forsyth Tech’s first women’s volleyball team? Applications are open for a head coach position.

Before we get ahead of ourselves, the community college will also launch an esports program — initially as intramurals — with plans to develop competitive teams later in the academic year. ICYMI, Check out how the school is redesigning campus space to provide a high-quality environment for students.

The Buy

The Buy 7.18.24 (Affiliate)

Dreo’s oscillating tower fan for your bedroom, which is ultra-quiet, circulates cool air, and is still on sale for Prime Day.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kellina

From the editor

I’ll definitely be cheering on the Trailblazers as they take the court next year. Did you know the community college also offers short-term courses? I’m thinking of taking a Spanish class or a cake decorating class when registrations open again. What should I choose? Let me know.

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