Charlotte is Creative
Providing programs, resources, training, connections, and opportunities for
emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs to thrive in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
We’re Here to Build the
Most Creative Community in the Country
Charlotte Is Creative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
We unlock the power of imagination to strengthen our city - economically, culturally and socially.
Founded in 2015, we exist to ensure that Charlotte’s emerging artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs have access to the tools, training, paid opportunities and connections they need to thrive - and that their voices help shape the Charlotte story.
Our Vision
To make Charlotte known as the most welcoming and supportive city in the nation for artists, makers and creative entrepreneurs.Our Purpose
To joyfully inspire and intentionally fuel the imagination of those developing creative careers - and those who support them - showing the world that Charlotte is creative.Our Values
We drive community connection through: Joy, Empathy, Intention, Curiosity, Reciprocity, Collaboration, Inclusivity
Creativity is vital to Charlotte’s infrastructure
It is powering economic growth, social mobility and belonging throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
We don’t see creativity as decoration. It’s not extra. It’s not a “nice to have.”
Our Areas of Focus
Knowledge, Training & Resources
We help imaginative people move from passion to purpose to paycheck.
Programs like the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI), HUG Micro-Grants and CreativeMornings/Charlotte give emerging artists access to mentorship, funding and professional development.
Community & Social Capital
Growth happens through connection when people share ideas, resources and encouragement. Our gatherings, collaborations and partnerships - from CreativeMornings/Charlotte to Charlotte Reciprocity Circles, Coffee with Creatives and OneBand - create spaces where creativity and community thrive across the region.Why Our Work Matters in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, welcoming 157 new residents a day. Many are artists, designers, musicians, and entrepreneurs, yet they often struggle to gain visibility, access resources, and secure paid work.
Charlotte Is Creative helps close that gap by connecting creative talent with civic and business opportunities so artists are included when decisions about community and culture are made.
We:
- Provide accessible funding, training, and promotion.
- Connect artists with businesses, neighborhoods, and civic partners.
- Support creatives in building sustainable careers.
- Strengthen a sense of belonging by bringing art into more corners of the city.
“Too many creative people in Charlotte have the talent, but not the table to sit at.
We are here to pull up extra chairs, and sometimes to build a whole new table.”
Tim Miner, Co-founder, Charlotte is Creative
Since 2015, Charlotte Is Creative has:
- Funded 600+ local creatives through HUG Micro-Grants
- Hosted 350+ community events and workshops
- Employed 1,200+ Charlotte-based creatives in paid work
- More than 67% of the beneficiaries of our programming identify as BIPOC
Tim Miner & Matt Olin, Co-Founders of Charlotte is Creative
See Creativity in Action
The Biscuit: The official newsletter of Charlotte Is Creative.In 2019, we launched The Biscuit, our storytelling platform, to shine a light on Charlotte’s creative prowess. Through our newsletter and social media feeds, we amplify local artists and share opportunities that might otherwise go unseen.