Project Space 411 was built as a nonprofit because our mission — growing Winston-Salem's creative economy and making professional media production accessible — is fundamentally about community benefit, not profit. A nonprofit structure allows us to pursue grants, accept tax-deductible donations, and make decisions based on impact rather than return on investment. It also means that when Second Serving Studios opens, its resources will serve the broader creative community rather than a private bottom line.

Winston-Salem sits at a rare intersection of creative energy, institutional strength, and civic momentum. Home to UNCSA, Wake Forest University, a thriving arts community, and a growing food culture, the city has every ingredient for a world-class creative economy — it just needs the infrastructure to match. PS411 is building that infrastructure here because this is where it's needed and where it will have the greatest impact.

Food is universal. Culinary media — cooking shows, food documentaries, branded content — is one of the fastest-growing segments of the media industry, and it's deeply accessible to audiences of all backgrounds. By anchoring Second Serving Studios in culinary production, we open doors for a wide range of creators, from professional chefs to independent filmmakers to food entrepreneurs, while positioning North Carolina as a leader in a rapidly expanding field.

The convergence of streaming growth, the creator economy, and Winston-Salem's own momentum made this the right moment. We're also aware of the question people are asking: with AI-generated content on the rise, is investing in a traditional production facility still wise?

We think the answer is clearly yes — and food is the proof. Culinary media depends on authenticity in a way few other genres do. Audiences can tell when something is real, and they care deeply. The sizzle of a pan, the texture of fresh pasta, a chef's hands at work — these things cannot be faked, and audiences will not accept them faked. If anything, AI's rise makes genuine, beautifully produced real-world content more valuable, not less. Second Serving Studios is built for exactly that.

Second Serving Studios is the nation's only nonprofit media studio with a dedicated culinary and commercial production focus. It will offer state-of-the-art production facilities — including a professional culinary stage and full audio and video production capabilities — available to creators, brands, educators, and nonprofits at accessible rates. It is the flagship project of Project Space 411.

There are several ways to be part of what we're building. You can attend our community events, volunteer your skills, donate to support our mission, or reach out about partnership opportunities. If you're a creative professional, keep an eye out for our workforce registry launching with Second Serving Studios. Visit our Contact page to get in touch.

Yes — our 411 W. 4th Street space is available for private and organizational events including workshops, screenings, panel discussions, receptions, and community gatherings. Visit our Book Your Event page to send an inquiry.

Project Space 411 is currently funded through individual donations, institutional grants, and support from the Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County. As Second Serving Studios opens, we will move toward a more revenue-driven model — with studio rentals, production partnerships, and programming fees supporting our ongoing operations and mission.

Yes. Project Space 411 is operated by the Creative Center of North Carolina, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

We are working toward an opening in early 2028. Follow our progress by subscribing to The 411 newsletter or checking back here for updates.

Subscribe to The 411 — our newsletter covering events, studio updates, and community news. You can sign up on our Contact page. You can also follow us on social media for real-time updates.