WS Chronicle

(Above: Submitted Photo (From left) Former Arts Council Chair Tom Ingram, campaign Co-Chair Anc Newman and Kenneth Shaw of Novant Health chat at the recent 65th birthday celebration.)

On Monday, Jan. 26, the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County celebrated its 65th birthday and launched its 2015 Campaign, all while urging local residents to “seize the day.”

“This year is especially significant as we’re celebrating our 65th year of enriching lives in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, and tonight we invite you to raise a glass to both this legacy as well as our vision for the future,” said Arts Council Board Chair Steve Berlin.

As guests visited and circulated around the Hanesbrand Theatre, which featured dramatic floral arrangements from Bo Ty Florist, Colin Allured, a guitarist, singer and songwriter, entertained.  Allured is one of many practicing local artists who has received a Regional Artist Project Grant from The Arts Council to further his career.

Berlin introduced the 2015 Campaign Co-Chairs – Anc Newman, senior VP at Aon Risk Services, and Stuart Parks, owner and managing principal of The Arden Group.

The Arts Council has adopted a theme of “Engagement” for the year, encouraging residents of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County and arts and cultural organizations to find new ways to team up and demonstrate that Winston-Salem is, in fact, a City of Arts and Innovation.

“We have a vision,” the co-chairs said, and invited guests to invest in this vision in ways that will help drive progress and innovation in the city and county.

“For 65 years,” Parks said, “this annual effort has fueled grant programs that sustain our arts organizations, give life to new arts initiatives, and provide arts education experiences to our school children. In turn, we have created an arts community that promotes economic development and makes Winston-Salem and Forsyth County a vibrant place to live, work and play.”

He announced the 2015 campaign goal of $2.675 million that will allow The Arts Council to continue to advance, coordinate and support the arts, while focusing on its role as a community builder.

Parks spoke of inclusiveness and diversity. Newman outlined Arts Council initiatives that are designed to reach the grassroots and make a reality of the Council’s 2015 theme.

“Throughout 2015, The Arts Council will host conversations that explore how Forsyth County’s arts community can serve as a catalyst for future prosperity and align to create efficiencies that are self-sustaining.    He reminded guests about two other Arts Council initiatives. Community Enrichment Mini Grants, for which any individual or group can apply, are designed to be quick and easy with a one-page application. He also applauded the creation of the Arts Council Engagement Society (ACES) that is an opportunity for individuals of all ages to get involved, and learn about area arts organizations, their programming and volunteer opportunities.

The celebration ended with a dramatic “flash mob” presentation by NC School of the Arts high school students who challenged guests to get involved by performing “Seize the Day” from the musical “Newsies.”