North Carolina justifiably boasts a strong background in the arts, and the Wilmington area nurtures that strength with a vast display of artistic expression. Though the area may seem to be a bit removed from the large cultural meccas of the world, Wilmington exists as a major center for visual and performing arts.

On any given day, the community's calendar overflows with various captivating cultural events. The problem with a lack of things to do is never a factor here. In fact, there are many established institutions devoted to the arts, including the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and St. John's Museum of Art, just to name a couple. Touring shows and artists, as well as an array of talented local artists, all create an abounding consortium of talent virtually unheard of outside these larger cultural centers.

Not only is the community extremely rich in theatrical talent, the film industry created Screen Gems movie studio in Wilmington in 1985. It provides a venue that attracts film production companies and professional actors to the area regularly. The historic downtown area serves as the heart of arts organizations and activities for the region and it attracts musicians, painters, actors, filmmakers, sculptors, and dancers to the various coffee houses and cafes to converse about their respective crafts.

The visual arts are a strong presence on the Southeastern coastal region as well. Besides housing several commercial art galleries the region also has St. John's Museum of Art, hailed as one of the optimum art museums in the Southeast. Local artists need not look far to find alluring venues for show in area restaurants, coffeehouses, and stores.

The Cape Fear region is an abounding environment for artists, offering an array of possibilities for everyone, creating and taking pleasure in the cultural arts.