"The Downtown Arts District Association (DADA) is a neighborhood organization of artist studios, residences and businesses that is dedicated to the promotion of arts and culture through education, entertainment, community interaction and trade."
DADA is a non-profit organization consisting of artists, sculptors, photographers, interior and graphic designers, calligraphers, wood workers, jewelers, fiber artists and other disciplines in the arts. DADA has restaurants, retail shops, antiques, residences, business offices, shoe shop, watch repair shop and a variety store located in this eclectic area of downtown between 5th and 7th and Trade Street. Organized in 1998, DADA began to raise awareness of the arts community and the arts district in Winston-Salem. Through its Gallery Hops and co-sponsorship of various city events, DADA has infused the downtown with new life and energy, helping to build the arts district itself into a vibrant community. Its stated goal is to alter conventional perceptions about downtown--just as the post-WWI abstract art movement of the same name set out to emancipate the imagination.
DADA consists of volunteers, with regular monthly meetings before DADA's First Friday Gallery Hop. Meeting locations vary so please email info@dadaws.org for the location!. The board meets regularly to coordinate DADA activities and discuss committee projects. If you would like to become a contributing community member of DADA please contact us at info@dadaws.org.
Every month shops studios and galleries open their doors with new artwork and exhibits for First Friday Gallery Hops. These events are free and open to the public featuring extended shop hours from 7pm until 10pm throughout the year. The Gallery Hops attract hundreds of people to the many galleries, studios and shops that make up the Art District. The streets come alive with a festive atmosphere of visual art, music, entertainment and food to create a one-of-a-kind event in our community.
Summer on Trade
This Saturday music in the street series sponsored by the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership features notable regional musicians showcasing Winston-Salem's diverse musical traditions in a setting of artistic commerce and spirit. Scheduled May through September Summer on Trade begins at 7pm in the intersection of Sixth and Trade Streets. Bring your chairs and relax and dance to the music, and participate in the DADA Artist projects and DADA kids events, and have a great Summertime in the Arts District. The schedule of musicians for this event can be found at www.dwsp.org
Special Events throughout the Year.
DADA sponsors regular events for the Arts Community that are free to the public. At our Gallery Hops DADA sponsors exhibits with local public and private primary and secondary schools. Art Teachers bring work to different galleries throughout the Art District, Music Teachers bring bands. Local exhibits and performances by colleges and universities are ongoing projects in the galleries and studios.
Many regular events that are part of the Downtown Art District experience are World Tai Chi Day in April, the Heavy Rebel Weekender in July, the Piedmont Craftsmen Fair in November and more.
The Holiday Hop in December is a real treat for everyone. With shops and galleries open to find those special gifts and supporting our local artists, this Hop reflects the goodwill in the community with choirs and carolers, community donations, and buggy rides. Downtown comes alive this weekend with lights, exhibits, parades, and surprises.
