Central North Carolina Arts & Culture

Beauty that Runs to the Core

Whether it’s natural scenery or the artistic endeavors of the local community, the Carolina Core’s beauty is approachable from many angles. Just take a stroll through downtown Greensboro, where you’ll find vibrant murals and commemorative sculptures.

Or have a walk through downtown Winston-Salem, known as the city of arts and innovation, and enjoy countless art museums and craft shops lining the streets. No matter if you’re in High Point, Fayetteville or anywhere in between, Central North Carolina will provide a vibrant and inspiring scene filled with a strong culture of creativity.

People walking towards the Stock + Grain Assembly Food Hall in High Point, NC

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Art Galleries & Museums Explore Emerging Artists
Theater Standing Ovations This Way
Events & Festivals Community Artisans Abound
Schools Investing in Young Creatives

A view of ARTivity on the Green, a Winston Salem art-themed park.

Art Galleries & Museums

Find Intrigue in Art

Get ready to fan your creative spark into a flame! Arts organizations in the Carolina Core can set your creativity ablaze with unique local arts exhibits and events. The Winston-Salem Art District prospers thanks to the collaborative efforts of nonprofit arts organizations dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape for all North Carolinians.

Every month of the year in Winston-Salem, the nonprofit Downtown Arts District Association (DADA) provides its signature “1st Friday Hop” – a community-building event where art galleries and studios remain open late into the evening to support local artists.

In Greensboro, art galleries like 205 Collaborative, Ambleside Gallery and GreenHill Center for NC Art offer exceptional exhibits from artists, photographers and sculptors from around the world. By encouraging partnerships with local artists, businesses and the state government, North Carolina ensures a vibrant and accessible arts scene.

Cast of the North American tour of Wicked at Steven Tanger Center in Greensboro, NC.

Theatre

A Night to Remember

Whether your interest lies in dance, live music or drama, the Carolina Core has been providing intellectually stimulating performances for decades. The High Point Theatre sparks standing ovations almost every night with visually captivating concerts, off-Broadway productions, pageants and recitals. If you’re in the mood for an extraordinary show, the 3,000-seat-capacity Steven Tanger Center’s annual Broadway series includes first-run Broadway performances of everything from CATS to Pretty Woman.

The Carolina Core region comes alive in its support of local talent. Whether you’re catching a set at Flat Iron in Greensboro, rocking out at Winston-Salem’s Ramkat music hall or grooving at Ziggy’s in High Point, there’s always a stage waiting. Artists can find their niche as well. Join the Winston-Salem NSAI Songwriters’ chapter to sharpen your craft or build your fan base at the Battle of the Bands in Greensboro.

North Mississippi Allstars plays at the NC Folk Festival

Events & Festivals

A Creatively Driven Community

There’s a passion in the North Carolina arts community like no other. The Carolina Core hosts many types of music festivals like Merlefest, known for its blend of “traditional plus” music that started back in 1988. It’s also home to the NC Folk Festival, which promises music beyond just folk, with styles ranging from funk to Latin. The High Point Arts Council doesn’t hold back when it comes to entertaining events either. Take in a local concert, like the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival, or enjoy crafts, food and entertainment at the Day in the Park.

In Greensboro, the Craftsmen’s Classic Art & Craft Festival was founded over a half a century ago, presenting the works of some of the county’s finest artisans and a panel of judges. And there are few places with more cultural heritage trails than Fayetteville – with more than 750 miles of trails and a 32-member art cooperative that produces paintings, pottery, wood and glass art and more.

Children creating art at school with painted hand prints

SChools

Arts in Education

Integrating the visual arts into educational programs is a great method of fostering creativity and personal expression among students. The North Carolina Arts Council recognizes the importance of visual arts and provides different programs to help encourage learning.

From the “A+ schools of North Carolina” program and transforming entire buildings to the “Poetry Out Loud” program impacting high school students on a more individual level, the N.C. Arts Council works to enhance students’ education with unique activities. Younger students can also find opportunity at the Greenhill Center for NC Art. The center helps build a space for them to create with the Young Artists Kollictive (YAK). By prioritizing arts in education, schools and communities empower students to explore their creative potential and prepare them for diverse future opportunities.

Arts & Culture

Beauty that Runs to the Core

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3,000-seat

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