Creative Corridors Coalition

The Creative Corridors Coalition (CCC) is a nonprofit organization based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, founded in 2007. It is recognized for its commitment to transforming the urban landscape through artistic and community-oriented projects, specifically by working on infrastructure improvements in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Mission and Vision

The Coalition’s mission is to create a Green, Artful, and Iconic Network (GAIN) of spaces that foster community engagement and enhance the aesthetic and functional quality of local infrastructure. The components of GAIN include:

• Green: Designing and constructing facilities that harmonize with the natural environment.
• Artful: Incorporating art into public spaces and ensuring artistic design elements in the project.
• Iconic: Developing memorable structures that define community identity and legacy.
• Network: Integrating various community components to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth.

History

The inception of the Creative Corridors Coalition was catalyzed by a significant infrastructure project planned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, which involved the complete reconstruction of a one-mile segment of Business 40, now known as Salem Parkway. The Coalition aimed to ensure that these changes would reflect Winston-Salem's values of art, culture, and innovation.

The Coalition conducted extensive community outreach through meetings and events, which laid the groundwork for their advocacy efforts. They secured approximately $5 million in funding, allowing them to commission innovative designs and improvements, particularly for bridges and streetscapes within the project area. The focus was on creating aesthetically pleasing enhancements that support the city’s identity as a center of arts and culture.

Key Projects

Among the Coalition’s notable initiatives are:

• Bridges Beautification: Enhancements to key bridges crossing Salem Parkway, including the Peters Creek Parkway Bridge, Green Street Bridge, and Strollway Bridge.
• Old Salem's Hidden Towns Project: A historical project that seeks to honor the legacy of historical figures, such as Peter Oliver, through public parks and storytelling initiatives.

Community Engagement

The Creative Corridors Coalition actively engages with community members, stakeholders, and officials to ensure that their projects align with public interest and benefit all residents. Their collaborative approach has attracted partnerships with various organizations and foundations, such as the James G. Hanes Memorial Fund and the John W. and Anna H. Hanes Foundation.

Recognition

The work of the Creative Corridors Coalition has been acknowledged through several awards, including:

• The Carolinas AGC Pinnacle Award for Best Highway Projects.
• Bronze Level recognition from the International Partnering Institute for collaborative project efforts.

Through their innovative projects and community involvement, the Creative Corridors Coalition continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing the urban experience and promoting cultural identity in Winston-Salem.

[1] https://riverrunfilm.com/events/bridgingacommunity/ [2] https://creativecorridorscoalition.org [3] https://creativecorridorscoalition.org/history [4] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/272760328 [5] https://creativecorridorscoalition.org/leadership2