The team at Charlotte Is Creative had an incredibly busy 2025. And, so did you.

In our last Biscuit, we encouraged you, our readers, to rest, reflect and create for the sake of making. Taking our own advice, we decided to do the same.

As we jump back in with you, we thought the best place to start was by sharing highlights from the past year alongside our hopes for the new one. 2026 began with a sprint, and although we are only sixteen days in, we are moving forward with intention, meaningful connections and a dash of whimsy.

With that, here are our 2025 highlights and 2026 hopes.

NEW CREATIVE ENERGY AND NEW ORGANIZATIONS

2025 HIGHLIGHT:
Last year, just as I felt certain that plenty of arts organizations were already serving Charlotte, I was proven wrong. I was struck by a noticeable infusion of new arts organizations entering the marketplace with fresh, exciting energy: Charlotte Studio Artists. Raíces. La Bodeguita. Charlotte Center for the Arts. Carolina Theatre. And, many others.

These fresh approaches challenge all of us to raise the stakes and try harder. They brought new takes on the creative scene that made me sit up and take notice. It was especially encouraging to see newer or less-supported efforts receive Creative Growth Grants, armed with what they needed to try something bold.

It’s always exciting to be reminded that Charlotte has vast, untapped creative resources, and that no one needs permission to start something new – just the will and the opportunity.

SOMETHING I AM EXCITED FOR IN 2026:
I hope to see these newer groups partner with long-established organizations to advance new solutions to old problems and blend tradition with innovation. Young organizations can gain credibility and benefit from tried-and-true approaches, while established institutions can reach new audiences and energize longtime patrons by championing and trusting new voices.

There are many ways to capture the public’s attention. My hope is that in 2026, we keep finding them.

CONSISTENCY, JOY AND CREATIVITY BUILD COMMUNITY

2025 HIGHLIGHT:
This year, OneBand reached a milestone that perfectly reflects what we set out to do: create meaningful musical moments without barriers. We hosted our 20th concert, bringing together hundreds of musicians of all skill levels who embraced our “Connection, Not Perfection” philosophy.

From the “Scorching Summer Set” to the “Eerie-sistible Halloween Concert,” each session proved that magic happens when we prioritize joy and community. Twenty concerts mean twenty different groups of strangers becoming flash-bandmates (AKA “OneBandits”) for a night, and that is exactly the kind of creative connection Charlotte Is Creative exists to foster.

SOMETHING I AM EXCITED FOR IN 2026:
As CreativeMornings/Charlotte enters its second decade, I am excited to help guide this community into new territory. Ten years of monthly gatherings, inspiring speakers, questionable sponsor songs and a network of creatives supporting one another have positioned us to deepen our impact.

Our 10th-anniversary kickoff with Michelle Fernandez and the theme of hope set the tone for what’s ahead. And, it was a banger. I can’t wait to see how we continue to surprise, inspire and connect Charlotte’s creative community.

MORE COOL AND CREATIVE EVENTS IN 2026, PLEASE!

2025 HIGHLIGHT:
In 2025, I loved getting to work with and hire artists for mural projects, collaborations and creative opportunities. But the turnout, experience and overall vibe of the Sept. 17 FOMO Museum Block Party truly made my year. From the unimaginable attendance numbers and curated musicians and DJs to the creative activations and partnerships, it was an unforgettable evening all on a random Wednesday night.

SOMETHING I AM EXCITED FOR IN 2026:
After a spring and summer of 2025 packed with events and programming, I am excited to see how our arts organizations and creative culture continue to blossom in the year ahead. From DJ sets and performances to food festivals, creative pop-ups and workshops, I can’t wait to see what’s next for our community and how we work together to continue to showcase our undeniable impact.

ART AND CREATIVE ENGAGEMENT IS FOR EVERYONE

2025 HIGHLIGHT:
In 2025, we partnered with dynamic creatives who left their mark on the Queen City through murals, music and unforgettable performances. One standout moment was the completion of the Classroom Central mural, which employed three full-time creatives, Johari Huggins, Austin Keith-Grant and Ben Verner, alongside five supporting CMS art teachers. Not to mention, a truly inspired design.

SOMETHING I AM EXCITED FOR IN 2026:
As we move into 2026, I am excited to continue collaborating with artists who bring imagination, creativity and bold vision to our city. One area I am eager to explore further is strengthening the connection between arts and sports in Charlotte.

CREATIVITY IS A PILLAR OF COMMUNITY AND HEALING

2025 HIGHLIGHT:
In 2025, I felt a deep desire for community across all areas of my life. Coming together. A sharing of challenges and discomforts. A collective search for inspiration.

I was especially moved by the two Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative cohorts, watching them transform from strangers into family in just 10 weeks. These creatives focused not only on personal growth as emerging entrepreneurs, but also on leading with heart and purpose, with the goal of giving back to the Queen City.

SOMETHING I AM EXCITED FOR IN 2026:
In 2026, Charlotte Is Creative will serve as the anchor organization for our region’s Community Neuroarts Coalition, in partnership with arts organizations, health leaders and individuals focused on improving health and well-being through the arts.

The timing could not be better, with initiatives such as the Symphony’s Music & Wellness Committee, CIC and Novant Health’s Art of Remarkable Care partnership, and the Bechtler Museum’s Arts on Prescription program already underway. We are excited to spotlight how individual artists and grassroots arts and culture organizations play a vital role in this work. More to come this spring.

 

As you move forward in the weeks and months ahead, we encourage you to pause and celebrate what has been, what can be and where you are going.

What will you be doing in the weeks and months ahead? Tell us about it. We, in turn, will do what we can to make it a reality. Reach out directly at makayla@charlotteiscreative.com or fill out a creative profile to share more HERE.

Dream on, creative friends.