The UNCW Office of Cultural Arts was created in July 2005 in order to "(1) strengthen the University's mission to deepen and enrich the learning experience of its students; (2) devise creative and effective partnerships between UNCW and the many dynamic arts groups of our community; (3) develop opportunities for UNCW to play a leadership role in enhancing the growth of the arts within the region. " To accomplish these goals UNCW works with internal groups and organizations with in UNCW as well as high profile external arts organizations such as : Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, Carolina Ballet and Moscow Ballet. Visit uncw.org for a complete listing of events.

Gallery Walks
Each month experience Gallery walks in historic downtown Wilmington and at Wrightsville beach. Schedules fluctuate seasonally, and calendars are published in local entertainment magazines.

Festivals and Events Calendar

* AZALEA FESTIVAL: The 60th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival will be held April 11-15 this year. The Festival is a celebration of Wilmington’s exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture, and during its five days of entertainment residents and visitors enjoy a parade, street fair, circus, concerts, garden parties, art shows and more, all served with a generous portion of Southern hospitality.

*RIVERFEST: This annual Fall event will be held on the Riverfront in downtown Wilmington on October xx this year. A street fair, concerts, art exhibits, water competitions and fireworks make this a local favorite.

*FLOTILLA: Celebrate the holidays with one of the premier “must see” events on the East Coast. Always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, locals and visitors look forward to the tree lighting ceremonies, contests and festivals in the park that precede the main event – dozens of decorated boats lighting up the nighttime Intracoastal waterway.