SECCA prepares to build on relationship with NC Museum of Art

The Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem is about to enter a new phase in its relationship with the North Carolina Museum of Art. 

The museum art lovers know as SECCA has been affiliated with the Raleigh-based North Carolina Museum of Art, or NCMA, since 2007.  

Officials say several changes behind the scenes will usher in a new era of programming opportunities.

The SECCA Foundation Board of Directors will dissolve this summer, and the museum will then be overseen by the NCMA Foundation. Several seats will be added to represent the Piedmont and Western North Carolina, and a new affinity group will be formed for local supporters.

William Carpenter is SECCA’s executive director. He says the recent hiring of two new curators, along with an enhanced budget, will lead to what he calls a “clear uptick” in the quality of exhibitions.

Carpenter says the museum will be able to program "more robustly," with greater opportunities for its education and outreach programs.

"And generally, I think we're also going to start seeing some major upfits and renovations and repairs to our physical facilities," says Carpenter. 

Carpenter adds SECCA will be able to maintain a commitment to Winston-Salem and Forsyth County while benefitting from an improved budget.  

He notes future exhibitions will also give local patrons an opportunity to see works from NCMA, which houses what is known as “The People’s Collection.”