Creative Communities
Vibrant communities showcase creativity. Cultural assets make communities distinctive.
North Carolina is a national leader in the creation of a viable arts infrastructure — the first local arts council and state-supported symphony; the oldest craft school, folk music festival and outdoor dramas; the initial art collection launched by state appropriation at the N.C. Museum of Art, and towns and cities that are cited in performance indexes and “best places to work and live lists.” The arts have been catalyst and cornerstone of downtown and neighborhood revitalization – creating vibrant communities across the state.
Kinston, Durham, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Charlotte, Shelby, Asheville, Wilson and Burnsville are revitalizing neighborhoods through a focus on culture. The Arts Council has created the SmART Initiative, an arts-driven economic development plan for cities and towns of North Carolina. Explore ten case studies.
William Puckett, Matheson Bridge Mural, Charlotte, NC
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