325 artists. 20 workshops. 4 networking events. This year, The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro’s Professional Development Hub supported connection, learning, and the growth of artist entrepreneurship across the region.
One venue in this growing network is Back Table, a new community arts space in downtown Greensboro. Founded in early 2024 by Galen Forsman and Josh Tovi, Back Table is part café, part venue, and part creative workspace. It is a place where people come to write, rehearse, plan, build, and connect.
With modular seating, instruments, art supplies, and a welcoming atmosphere, Back Table has hosted everything from open mics and concerts to yoga sessions and flea markets. The team describes it as a creative living room for the community, designed to be accessible, flexible, and rooted in local energy.
In June, The Arts Council partnered with Creative Greensboro to host an Artist Happy Hour at Back Table.
Dozens of artists showed up, many for the first time. The space filled quickly. Conversations sparked as guests filled out name tags and chose stickers that identified them with titles like “Artist,” “Arts Organization Leader,” and “Business Owner.”
By the end of the night, many had found future collaborators and made meaningful connections. One young creative discovered the open mic that evening and returned the very next Monday to perform.
That kind of response is exactly what the Professional Development Hub aims to create. These moments of face-to-face connection can lead to opportunity and action.
As Back Table continues to grow by hosting events, supporting performers, and welcoming visual artists, it is helping shape the kind of vibrant and inclusive arts community we are all working toward.
Whether it starts with a conversation at a workshop, a handshake at happy hour, or a spark of inspiration at the Back Table, The ACGG is proud to help make these moments possible.
Businesses that support artists help keep our economy strong and vibrant. To learn about how your company can engage with artists in our community, reach out to Jaymie Meyer at jmeyer@theacgg.org.
To learn more about what’s going on at the Back Table, visit their website. Keep an eye out for their events going on in July including the Silo Series, What the Folk Songwriting School for high school students, and Strange Fruit Festival’s NuFinds Artist Competition.
Upcoming Artist Happy Hours