The Biscuit newsletter · May 12, 2024

Biscuit5-13-24

CREDIT: The Long Room

The Long Room Offers Exhibition Package for Visual Artists

Local creatives need more affordable spaces to make, store and display their art. From the VAPA Center to the Do Greater CRTV Lab, innovative spaces are popping up across Mecklenburg County, and now a new place for visual artists to display their work has emerged in an unlikely spot – a dance venue in Plaza Midwood.

The Long Room, a versatile arts-focused event center, is now offering a month-long exhibition package designed to showcase the work of visual artists. This space is suitable for performances, concerts, art exhibitions, parties, lunches, weddings, and various gatherings.

The $600 package includes:

• A one-month residency allowing artists to display and sell art during events.
• A two-hour opening event for networking.
• A two-hour closing event to celebrate the residency.
• A 90-minute artist talk or discussion.
• Opportunities for visitors to purchase art, with details on commission pricing available upon inquiry.

CREDIT: The Long Room

To learn more about this new program, we asked Matthew Seneca, co-founder of The Long Room, a few questions:⁣

Matthew, tell us about The Long Room. We know you originally created it for dance. What else can it be used for?
The Long Room is a versatile arts-focused event center available to rent for performances, concerts, art exhibitions, parties, lunches, weddings and gatherings of all kinds.

Why are you committed to working with other creative disciplines?⁣
Sarah Hayes Harkins and I are both artists ourselves. We know how difficult it is to find space to create that is both affordable and high quality. ⁣

We were fortunate to be able to invest in The Long Room for dance. And, we want to make sure artists and creatives of all kinds have access to this wonderful space, too. ⁣

Where did the idea come from to display art in The Long Room?⁣
We actually got the idea at one of Charlotte Is Creative’s Reciprocity Circles from Alexandra Smith, founder of @ArtintheQC, an art advocacy organization.⁣

What can the opening/closing receptions and art talks look like? ⁣
The artist is welcome to set up their opening and closing receptions however they like.⁣

We have a bar and a liquor license for wine and beer. The artist is welcome to bring in their own caterer, and we can suggest vendors if needed. ⁣

For more information on this program, CLICK HERE.

A LOOK AHEAD

CREDIT: Arts+

Speaking of creative space, a team from Charlotte Is Creative, publishers of The Biscuit, toured the former Plaza Presbyterian Church this week. Over the next few years, Arts+ will transform the facility into a place for creatives to gather, celebrate, learn and work.

We’re excited to say that our social capital exchange meet-up, Charlotte Reciprocity Circles, will take place on this site Saturday, June 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets available soon here. 

GRANTS AND AWARDS

Matt Olin of Charlotte Is Creative speaks at WIF Annual Meeting

ANNOUNCEMENT: Women’s Impact Fund Awards $29,000 to Charlotte Is Creative
On May 3, the Women’s Impact Fund (WIF) granted Charlotte Is Creative $29,000 to support under-resourced creative entrepreneurs in Mecklenburg County. Celebrating 20 years of philanthropy at Mint Museum Uptown, WIF also awarded over $400,000 to entities including Three Bone Theatre and JazzArts Charlotte.

Since its 2003 inception by Claire Tate, Mary Lou Babb and 150+ women, WIF has invested over $8.1 million in local nonprofits, aiming to amplify community impact through women-led philanthropic education and collective giving. MORE INFO.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Urban Design Center Announces $154,000 in Placemaking Grants
The City of Charlotte’s Urban Design Center has announced Charlotte will distribute $154,310 in Placemaking Program Grants to 14 local artist groups and individual creatives developing projects that enhance community vibrancy, safety, and identity through space activation, streetscape improvements, art, and creating gathering spaces. MORE INFO. 

ANNOUNCEMENT: VAPA Center Honored with Trailblazer Award at Vision Awards
At the 16th Vision Awards, Charlotte Center City Partners recognized the VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Center with the annual Trailblazer Award. VAPA was established in 2021 in the former Hal Marshall County Service Center to offer much–needed space for artists to work, exhibit and perform. VAPA plays a pivotal role in revitalizing an underutilized space in Uptown into a vibrant hub for artists and creative entrepreneurs. MORE INFO. 

ANNOUNCEMENT: ASC Awards $152,655 in Grants to Mecklenburg Artists
The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is awarding $152,655 in Creative Mecklenburg Grants to 54 local artists with financial support from Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte and the Infusion Fund. These grants of up to $3,000 will help fuel the creation of new work, the purchase of equipment and materials, professional development workshops, travel support for professional opportunities, and the development or upgrading of promotional materials. 

JOBS AND OPEN CALLS

Performance at Confluence 2023 | CREDIT: Music Everywhere CLT

OPEN CALL: Confluence Seeks Carolinas-Based Musicians for Showcase Event in Charlotte
Confluence, an annual event that’s a music business conference by day and music festival by night, has opened a call for musicians from North Carolina and South Carolina to participate in two nights of showcases across Charlotte. This event offers paid opportunities for artists or groups to perform their original music. Interested artists are encouraged to apply for free by June 1. For more details and to submit your application, please visit the Confluence event page. APPLY HERE.

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Director for Development/Community Engagement at Cabarrus Arts Council
The Cabarrus Arts Council seeks an individual to manage fundraising activities and foster relationships with donors and their community partners. The role encompasses organizing major gifts, special events, annual appeals, and grants while appreciating the diverse community served. Responsibilities also include enhancing existing fundraising initiatives and identifying new revenue opportunities. Starting salary range begins at $54,500 – $57,500, commensurate with experience and competitive with other nonprofit organizations in the region. MORE INFO. 

EVENTS

20+ ARTISTS WORKING: Party in the Park This Saturday
Saturday, May 18 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Sheffield Park at 1331 Tarrington Ave.

Join us and see more than 20 creatives at work – painting murals, making chalk art, dancing, DJing and more all to celebrate and beautify Sheffield Park in East Charlotte. We’ll have treat trucks on-site and hands-on art opportunities for creatives of all ages.

We’ll have fun together AND enhance one of Charlotte’s coolest community parks. Come be part of the fun.

Charlotte International Arts Festival Expands Local Cultural Partners in 2024
Blumenthal Arts is enhancing The Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) by expanding the number of local partner festivals and cultural organizations. Taking place Sept. 13-29, CIAF will feature live performances and art installations at new venues across Charlotte, including the soon-to-open Sullenberger Aviation Museum. 

Organizations joining the festival lineup for 2024 include ArtPop Street Gallery, UNC Charlotte International Festival, ourBRIDGE Fall Festival, Southern Guitar Festival, CLTure and Queen City Zine Fest. MORE INFO.