FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arts Council Announces 75th Anniversary Celebration
Year-long celebration to include monthly events and programming for the community
Winston-Salem, N.C. (June 12, 2024) – Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is proud to announce its 75th anniversary celebration, marking a significant milestone as the first and oldest arts council in the United States. Established on August 9, 1949, with $7,200 of seed money from the Junior League of Winston-Salem, Arts Council has been a pioneering force in uplifting, creating awareness, and providing support to grow and sustain artistic, cultural, and creative offerings throughout the region. This momentous anniversary will include a year-long celebration of events and initiatives designed to engage the community, honor its rich legacy, and inspire future support for the arts.
“Our vision is to create a memorable and impactful year-long celebration that reflects our commitment to the community and the arts,” said Katie Hall, Chief Marketing Officer, and Vice President of Development of Arts Council. “It is an exciting year to honor this milestone and celebrate with those who bring it to life – our arts and cultural partners.”
The community is invited to join Arts Council this weekend to kickstart the year-long festivities across Forsyth County. These initial events are a taste of what is to come and are perfect opportunities to engage with local artists and organizations. Events will take place through August 9, 2025.
Juneteenth Festival: Hosted by Triad Cultural Arts on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 1-8pm in the Innovation Quarter
The Martha Bassett Show: Live at Tanglewood Park: Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 2-5pm at the Tanglewood Park Band Shell
Additional events and programs can be found online at intothearts.org/75th.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, Arts Council is launching its ARTS ENDURING capital campaign to support the capital needs of its existing facilities. This $3 million fundraising initiative aims to ensure that its venues remain vibrant and functional hubs for artistic expression. By addressing critical infrastructure needs, the campaign will not only preserve the rich cultural heritage of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County but also secure a sustainable future for the arts. This effort underscores the Council's unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and enriching the cultural landscape for generations to come.
Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County is the leading advocate of the arts in our region and seeks to enhance and support the artistic and cultural landscape of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. Established on August 9, 1949, Arts Council has been a vital part of our community for 75 years. Arts Council’s owns and operates a campus which includes the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Sawtooth School for Visual Art, Hanesbrands Theatre, and more, serving as key hubs for creativity. In 2023, it hosted 670 on-campus events with 60,000 attendees, showcasing theater, dance, comedy, music, visual arts, literary arts and more. As a grant maker, Arts Council distributed over $1.2 million in grants in 2023, benefiting over 800,000 people.
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For additional information, please contact:
Katie Hall
Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Development
336.747.1421
www: intothearts.org/75th
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