Arts Council's
Community Investments
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County believes in the transformative power of arts and culture to inspire creativity, foster community connections, and drive positive change. In FY24, Arts Council invested $1,427,553 into the community to enrich the lives of residents and visitors, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic growth.
Grant Recipients
In FY 24 Arts Council awarded $913,097 in grant funding to support local arts and cultural initiatives. This funding provides vital organizational support for arts organizations, event sponsorships, and education programs throughout the community. These grants help foster creativity, promote cultural engagement, and enhance arts education, further solidifying our community's commitment to nurturing the region’s vibrant arts scene.
Facility Subsidies
Arts Council invested a total of $300,000 in FY 24 in facilities subsidies to support local arts organizations and ensure that creative spaces remain accessible and affordable. These subsidies help cover the costs of venues and infrastructure, allowing artists and cultural groups to focus on delivering enriching programs and performances to the community.
Gallery Programming
Arts Council invested $8,300 in FY 24 to support its Gallery Programming, providing opportunities for local artists to showcase their work and engage with the community. These funds help create a dynamic space for exhibitions, workshops, and events that highlight the region's artistic talent and foster cultural appreciation.
Parks Concert Series
In 2024, Forsyth County Government and the Arts Council presented the ninth season of the Parks Concert Series, using $75,000 in funding to bring free outdoor concerts to Tanglewood and Triad Parks. These concerts feature a diverse lineup of local and national musicians in beautiful outdoor spaces. Alongside the music, attendees can enjoy food vendors, interactive art activities, and engagement with community partners. Running throughout the summer season, this monthly concert series provides a vibrant space for community connection and cultural celebration, enriching the local arts scene.
Marketing Support
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County has provided $123,000 of in-kind marketing support to local arts and cultural organizations. This support includes paid advertising in local publications and WStoday, free press release distribution to small arts organizations and artists, dedicated articles in YesWeekly, monthly highlights on WXII's The Vibe, and bi-weekly eblasts sent to Arts Council's constituents. This support is designed to boost visibility and engagement for a wide range of artistic initiatives across the community.
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Fiscal Sponsorships
Arts Council raised $103,253 in FY 24 to support various arts and cultural projects that align with our mission as the chief advocate for arts and culture in the region. Acting as a fiscal agent, Arts Council provides an essential service by accepting donations on behalf of groups without IRS tax-exempt status, allowing partners access to crucial funding and enabling donors to receive tax deductions. Since 2021, this initiative has managed more than $1.5 million for individual artists and organizations, supporting projects that enrich the community and enhance Winston-Salem’s reputation as a hub of arts and innovation.