Head of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County steps down

After three years leading the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, President and CEO Chase Law is stepping down. She arrived during the challenging years of the pandemic when venues were shuttered throughout the region. 

Under Law's leadership, the common thread has been supporting local artists. Fundraising goals were met or exceeded, and creatives were given more access to resources. One of the new programs that emerged from the pandemic continues to take place in an unconventional space. Law describes it as experimental and experiential: The Lab.

"And that takes place in our garage once a month, on Monday nights and it lights up beautifully," says Law. "There’s a dance floor, there’s a stage. We feature musicians, spoken word poets, artists. There are vendors in there, creative artists showcasing and selling their wares and not only are you there as a spectator but you’re there as a participant as well."

Audience members are encouraged to get up on stage, or grab a paint brush and paint the underground columns creating what she describes as a funky, urban art gallery. Events like this one have generated new audiences. Law says it’s also encouraged new artists to come out of the woodwork.

"Artists in our community — regardless of their background and their age or whatever their medium is — they feel like we are a go-to at this point," she says. "They feel like we are providing an outlet and a space for their voices to be heard no matter what that looks like."

Law leaves the council on solid financial footing. Over the last few years she says their annual budget of roughly $2.5 million dollars has been met or exceeded through fundraising and under her leadership they’ve secured an additional $5.5 million in city and county American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

As the organization enters its 75th year — one of the oldest arts councils in the entire country — Law says her advice for her successor is simple.

"One of the things that I felt was really important when coming into this community was learning the community, being a part of the community," she says.

Law’s last day with the Arts Council is Friday, February 16. She has accepted a new position with the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey to be closer to family.