Shortly after Winston-Salem adopted its new motto—The City of Arts and Innovation—Jim Sparrow, chief executive officer of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, wrote about the importance of “living up to our name.”
That’s exactly what’s been happening at Wake Forest Innovation Quarter. Here are 10 ways the Innovation Quarter has incorporated the arts into our spaces and programming:
1. Bailey Park Art Tower
Through the efforts of Art for Art’s Sake, an art tower celebrating the University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts’ 50th anniversary has been placed in Bailey Park. Located at the corner of North Patterson Avenue and Fourth Street, this permanent installation features 12 painted pieces by students from the School of the Arts. The design of the tower allows pieces to be rotated in and out.
2. Bailey Park Mural
Also in Bailey Park, a permanent mural created by local artist Laura Lashley can be viewed on a retaining wall.
3. Bailey Park Water Wall
Bailey Park Water Wall, the latest artistic addition to Bailey Park, is the result of a community development initiative.
4. Nick Bragg Installation
Behind the front desk at 525@vine, a permanent piece painted by local artist Nick Bragg reflects the city’s history and future.
5. Arts for Health
A gallery wall with exhibits rotating quarterly is located on the ground floor of the 525@vine atrium. This gallery is one of 10 curated by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center with the goal of providing visual stimulation for patients, visitors and employees.
6. R.J. Reynolds Collection
Artwork once owned by the R.J. Reynolds Company is on display throughout Wake Forest Biotech Place.
7. One Technology Place Sculpture
The triple helix sculpture in the courtyard of One Technology Place was created by local sculptor Duncan Lewis and dedicated to Doug Maynard, former president of what is now Wake Forest Innovation Quarter.
8. Music Performances
Whether as a special presentation by the Winston-Salem Symphony, a music festival like Bailey Blues & Bluegrass or a lunchtime jam in Bailey Park, music performances are frequent in the Innovation Quarter.
9. Innovation & Cinema
Presented as a bi-annual series, Innovation & Cinema explores the relationship between innovation and the world in which we live. Each film is creatively paired with a topic that reflects a local business or organization.
10. Pop-Up Dance
In 2016, Innovation Quarter saw its first integration of art through dance with several pop-up performances by Helen Simoneau Danse.
“We believe that by highlighting and supporting artistic expression we’re taking steps to reflect the city’s motto and cultivate a truly innovative environment,” says Lindsey Schwab, director of community relations at Wake Forest Innovation Quarter.
It takes imagination and creativity to solve problems and execute the next big idea. Through displayed art and artistic programming, the Innovation Quarter strives to welcome and inspire the many different types of people working and living here, as well as the larger community.
All of the visual art in the Innovation Quarter is accessible to the public. The Winston-Salem community is welcome to view the installments during regular business hours. Innovation Quarter programming is offered regularly throughout the year and is free of charge. Check out the calendar for upcoming events.
by Susan Shinn
