Art in the iQ
An Arts Ecosystem Gives Voice to Our Community
Art creates opportunities for dialogue, shared cultural experiences and civic engagement. It brings community members together to solve problems, build relationships and rebuild social capital. Art unifies, and art educates.
Murals and Sculptures in the iQ
We strive to support a healthy arts ecosystem by bridging the gap between the Innovation Quarter community and our broader creative community. We are committed to convening partnerships and aligning with social innovation efforts that expand artistic platforms to help voices from all corners of our community express themselves. We welcome you to explore the public art pieces in Innovation Quarter and downtown Winston-Salem to learn more about our diverse community.
Triple Helix
by Duncan Lewis
This towering sculpture, located in the courtyard of One Tech Park, was created by local sculptor Duncan Lewis in 2003. Nearly 20 feet tall, this stainless steel and bronze sculpture is dedicated to Doug Maynard, the former president of what is now the Innovation Quarter.
Art for Art’s Sake Tower
by UNCSA students
Jointly created by UNCSA and community arts organization AFAS (Art for Art’s Sake) in 2015 during the school’s 50th Anniversary celebration, this 15-foot-tall tower is located at 4th Street and North Patterson Avenue. The twelve painted panels are renewed and replaced annually by students majoring in scenic painting at UNCSA.
Explore More of Winston-Salem’s Flourishing Arts Community
When the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County was established in 1949, it became the first of its kind in the country. It’s no surprise that Winston-Salem continues to lead the way with its vibrant arts community. That means there’s a diverse selection of museums, galleries, exhibitions and theater productions for you to explore within our city.
Museums and Galleries
Explore masterpieces of American art at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art or browse unique artisan crafts at the Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery.
Take a stroll in the city’s eclectic arts district, nestled between Trade, Fifth and Seventh streets, to browse a diverse assortment of artist studios, galleries, shops and restaurants. You can immerse yourself in this local arts scene at a gallery hop, held the first Friday of every month and hosted by the Downtown Arts District Association (DADA).
Performing Arts
Appreciate the magic and wonder of The Nutcracker, the annual Stevens Center production from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)—a top-ranked creative performing arts conservatory or enjoy a quirky theatrical musical from Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance in its more intimate theater. The Twin City is also home to the National Black Theatre Festival, which showcases dynamic performances, theater workshops, films and more.
Film and Music
Take in a foreign or independent film at a/perture cinema and mark your calendar for the RiverRun International Film Festival, one of the premier film festivals in the Southeastern U.S., held each spring.
Winston-Salem’s thriving music scene is equally diverse, with various live music venues, concerts and festivals such as Gears & Guitars. From the Winston-Salem Symphony to the Piedmont Opera, live music at The Ramkat and fringe bands at Monstercade, there’s something for everyone.
Submit a Proposal
As the Innovation Quarter grows and evolves, new opportunities for public art continue to present themselves. If you are an artist that would you like to be made aware of future opportunities to contribute to our IQ arts ecosystem (such as any call for artists or request for proposals) or if you have already have an idea for public art and wish to submit a formal proposal, please let us know.
