Cityfest, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, solicits sponsorships and grants that subsidize the City of Wilmington’s financial and staffing contributions. It uses funding to improve the quality of life for citizens of Wilmington, primarily through cultural and arts programing; promoting economic development; promoting City life; and all other charitable purposes.

The former Wilmington Police Department mounted patrol horse stables and the Urban Environmental Center have transformed into the Urban Artists Exchange (UAE) — an arts-based community development center that engages and employs young urban artists by offering hands-on education initiatives.

Since 1980, the City of Wilmington, with the generous support of local businesses and corporations, have developed a number of events to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for the citizens of the City of Wilmington through the arts, special events and tourism.