The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County operates a dynamic 75,000-square-foot campus, which includes the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts. This center is home to the Hanesbrands Theatre, a premier black-box theater featuring a stunning two-story mirrored mural by Jimmy O'Neal in its lobby. 

Also on campus are the Reynolds Place Theatre and Mountcastle Forum. These versatile spaces boast state-of-the-art lighting and audio systems, allowing them to be configured for a wide range of events, from intimate retreats to large-scale galas. For receptions, the Main Gallery within the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts offers a welcoming space, showcasing professionally curated exhibitions and the captivating "ArtisTree" installation. 

Are you seeking a modern-meets-historic vibe? The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) - Winston-Salem offers unique spaces surrounded by thought-provoking exhibitions. This museum is housed in the historic 1929 estate of James G. Hanes, founder of Hanesbrands. The 32-acre property provides adaptable areas suitable for meetings, workshops, and receptions, including an expansive back lawn that overlooks a spring-fed lake, perfect for outdoor gatherings. 

The Benton Convention Center boasts 150,000 square feet of flexible meeting space in the heart of Winston-Salem. What makes this venue particularly unique is its expansive gallery, which displays large-scale murals and original art from North Carolina artists. This stunning collection creates a visually stimulating environment that can spark inspiration between sessions and serve as a natural icebreaker for networking and collaboration. 

Going beyond the standard boardroom format, the Benton combines modern meeting amenities with an artful twist. You can expect bright colored murals, inspiring walkways, artfully designed pre- and post-function spaces, and even an Art-O-Mat. Inspired by Winston-Salem's history rooted tobacco but transformed into a hub for art and innovation, these redesigned old-school cigarette vending machines are now filled with small pieces of art from local artists and makers. 

For these and other off-site-venues, check out our exclusive Meeting Planner's Guide.

An artistic spirit pulses through Winston-Salem, especially in its vibrant and walkable Downtown Arts District, where local galleries, unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife options offer a unique peek inside the soul of the city. Encourage attendees to take a break and wander through streets adorned with murals bursting with color and energy and discover thought-provoking sculptures that spark conversation. 

Galleries like Visual Index, Piedmont Craftmen Gallery, Red Dog Gallery, and more, come together to paint a picture of artistic expression in Winston-Salem, and they all allow you to purchase and take home a little piece of the city for yourself! Before you leave, be sure to stop by Little Pep or 6th & Vine for a glass of vino and small plates with the whole group. Looking for a curated tour? Check out our insider guide to touring and sightseeing from an artistic point of view.

Don't miss ARTivity on the Green, an Insta-worthy art park anchored by bold metal towers, or the whimsical spinning spheres of "Balancing Act", an installation in Merschel Park that pays tribute to women's ingenuity. If you happen to meet in Winston-Salem on the third Friday of the month between April and December, encourage your attendees to attend an ArtCrush event! This downtown street fair highlights the work of local artists, makers, and musicians along the storied streets of the arts district.