An Art Lover’s Guide to Creative Spaces in Winston-Salem, NC
Dubbed “The City of Arts and Innovation,” the Greater Winston-Salem area delivers on the moniker, as it is home to countless museums, events and experiences for all to enjoy. Right off the bat, the Arts District (located between Trade and Liberty streets) provides an excellent initiation into the local scene. But to get the most out of an art-fueled visit, it doesn’t hurt to take a more curated approach. Ahead are six ways to enjoy the arts in Winston-Salem, NC, all of which are diverse enough to engage all the senses.
In This Article
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County
The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County stands out not only as the first and oldest arts council in the nation, but for its enduring dedication to the community.
Shannon Henry, interim president and CEO, says the council relies on past traditions for promoting and presenting art in the community, and it has adopted a new vision based on “innovation and inclusive cultural leadership.”
There’s an abundance of talent and creativity in Greater Winston-Salem, and the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County offers a host of ways for residents and visitors to create, appreciate or learn: art classes, free outdoor shows with the Parks Concert Series, the Milton Rhodes Center, Reynolds Place Theatre or Mountcastle Forum.
Delurk Gallery
Located on Sixth Street, Delurk Gallery is run by artists for artists, and it’s the kind of place to discover new works by locals. It’s home to one of 200 Art-O-Mat machines – retro cigarette vending machines revamped to dispense cool pocket-sized souvenirs.
Learn how to be a contributing artist to the global project or take home a unique keepsake of your own. Exhibits and openings are ongoing, but it’s worth a special visit during ART CRUSH, which is held on the third Friday of every month from April through December.
Local Murals
The region has more than a dozen street murals, and Christina Parrish is one of the artists who has helped bring boring walls to life.
A former art teacher turned full-time creative, Parrish gets much of her work by applying to public calls for art or reaching out to new businesses about custom signage. She describes her style as “posterized work with bright colors.”
“If you enjoy art and want to be immersed in it, then you should definitely go seek out local murals, no matter where you are,” she says.
A few murals you need to check out include the 9th Wonder Mural on the corner of Sixth and Liberty streets, which was created by artist Scott Nurkin of North Carolina. The piece showcases Grammy-winning hip-hop producer Patrick Douthit, who is better known as 9th Wonder. Another must-see creation is Depot Street Renaissance between Research Parkway and Vine Street. This colorful mural was created by local artist Leo Rucker, who is known for his skill of blending artistic expression and historical accuracy. The mural tells the story of people, businesses and institutions that contributed to Depot Street, which is now Patterson Avenue, becoming one of the first prestigious Black neighborhoods in Greater Winston-Salem.
Parrish recommends people follow @wsncmuralproject on Instagram to find additional information on muralists and their work.
Public Art Installations
Greater Winston-Salem is proud of its inclusive “art for all” mindset and has much in the way of free public art. It’s not just limited to the indoors, either. From decked-out bus shelters to unique installations, like Mannequin Shenanigans or Memory Wall of Love and Peace, it’d be easy to devote an entire day to discovering all the funky creations around the region.
In the downtown area, ARTivity on the Green is a neat way to picnic, lounge or people-watch in an immersive setting. For maps and helpful details, visit the city’s Public Art Commission page before heading out.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)
Home of the quirky Fighting Pickle mascot and 11 state-of-the-art performing arts venues, UNCSA is a top-ranked conservatory that produces more than 300 shows a year from students, faculty and guest artists.
Many of the performances/ screenings are free or low cost. Marla Carpenter, senior communications manager, says most performances are under two hours and will give audiences a great feel for UNCSA, especially if they come during the holidays.
Carpenter also suggests taking a tour of the film school’s Studio Village, which was built to resemble and function like a studio backlot.
North Carolina Black Repertory Co.
The center was founded by Larry Hamlin in 1979 as the state’s first professional Black theater company. It continues to showcase the work of talented performers and writers and hosts the International Black Theatre Festival every other year.
In the summer of 2026, attendees will have access to dozens of performances, from world-renowned playwrights to premieres from emerging artists.
Get to Know Greater Winston-Salem
To learn more about the region and all it has to offer, visit livability.com/nc/winston-salem.