TheBiscuit-Aug282024
City of Charlotte Offering $500,000 in Grants for New Creative SpacesCreative Spaces Initiative Applications are due Sept. 9 If you have an idea for affordable creative space in one of the six Corridors of Opportunity, the City of Charlotte has a short turnaround opportunity for you. Don’t wait—get started now. Late last week, Charlotte’s Urban Design Center announced the Creative Spaces Initiative. This new grant offers $500,000 to support the creation of studios, galleries, performance spaces, or practice areas within the city’s designated Corridors of Opportunity. The grant aims to foster affordable, dynamic creative hubs in underutilized areas and can cover rent and upfit costs. Arts and culture organizations, property owners, and businesses looking to establish permanent workspaces for local creatives are eligible. Proposals must outline the project scope, budget, timeline, and artist engagement, and be designed to impact and accommodate at least 10 creatives. The deadline is tight, and there’s a lot to know before you start your application. We recommend reading the documents provided here immediately.
Key Dates: - Application Deadline: Sept. 9, 2024
- Selection Announcement: Sept. 23, 2024
- Funds Expiration: Dec. 31, 2026
Application:
Create an account and begin your application here. 
Speaking of opportunities with rapidly approaching deadlines, here are six you should know about. Two of them close within the week, so don’t delay. 
GRANT FUNDING: Beyond Open CLT
Apply for funds ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 for small business owners to purchase capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate. These funds are available to small businesses of all industries, including brick-and-mortar, professional service providers, and creative entrepreneurs.
DEADLINE: Aug. 30
MORE INFO OPEN CALL: Three Visual Art Opportunities at The Pearl
Three visual art opportunities (two 2D murals and one 3D piece) ranging in budget from $4,000 to $32,000 are now open for qualifications. Note: No spec art is required to apply.
DEADLINE: Sept. 1
MORE INFO INSTRUCTION/ENTERTAINMENT: Confluence: Music Industry Conference + Showcase Fest
The Charlotte area’s premier music industry event is back Oct. 9-11. It’s an industry conference by day and a concert extravaganza by night, managed by Music Everywhere CLT. Early Bird All-Access Passes are $99 and available for a short time. Passes cover three days of sessions, two nights of showcases, and admission to the Kickoff Bash.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: Sept. 8
MORE INFO CALL FOR ARTISTS: Centerpieces for Cabarrus Breakfast for the Arts
The Cabarrus Arts Council is seeking artists to create 80 centerpieces for their upcoming fundraiser. Selected artists will receive an honorarium of $1,000.
DEADLINE: Submit by Sept. 14
MORE INFO CALL FOR ART: Mooresville Arts 42nd ARToberfest
Judged art show Oct. 1 to Nov. 14. $35 for members; $50 for non-members.
DEADLINE: Submissions due Sept. 23
MORE INFO CALL FOR ARTISTS: The Summer 2025 Artist-in-Residence Program
The McColl Center has opened applications for an artists-in-residence designed for parents and educators who would not have the opportunity to participate due to school/university commitments.
DEADLINE: Sept. 23
MORE INFO CALL FOR ART: Spooky – The Arts of Superstition
Submit art to be considered for inclusion in an OBRA Collective show featuring art inspired by superstitions, running Nov. 2-30.
DEADLINE: Sept. 30
MORE INFO 
Here are two more events designed to give creative entrepreneurs and organizations access to knowledge and social capital.
POWER PANEL: Adopting the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Monday, Sept. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Free with Sign Up
Independent Picture House
SIGN UP HERE Ready to take your creative business to the next level? Charlotte Is Creative and the CLT Alliance Foundation invite you to our next Power Panel on Sept. 6. Over the course of three hours, we’ll explore: - How to stand out in a crowded space
- Finding inspiration to scale and innovate
- Practical tips for long-term growth
- Sourcing social and financial capital
- Local resources you can access
This event features a panel discussion, Q&A, and breakout groups focused on the resources, support and capital you need to fuel innovation and bring your ideas to life. Get your questions answered directly by industry experts. Limited tickets are available. 
Creative Connections: YP Mixer with SHARE Charlotte
Wed., Sept. 25 | 6 to 8 p.m. | $30 per Person
Lenny Boy Brewing
GET TICKETS HERE We’re thrilled to partner with SHARE Charlotte for this year’s YP Mixer. Together, we’re gathering 20 of Charlotte’s most inspiring arts organizations. This event is your opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals while diving into the creative pulse of our city. Explore five Creative Zones highlighting: - Arts Programming for Underserved Youth
- Theater, Literature & Film
- Museums
- Music and Dance
- Visual Arts & Empowering Artists
Enjoy live performances throughout the evening that capture the essence of Charlotte’s diverse arts scene. Your $30 ticket includes light bites, two drink tickets, and the chance to engage with the creative nonprofits making a difference in our community. 
Last week, Matt Olin appeared on WBTV’s QC Life with Nicia Carla, local theater legend and founder of PaperHouse Theatre, to discuss “The Mystery of Irma Vep: A Penny Dreadful,” performing at VisArt Video through Sunday, Sept. 1. Tickets are $28. WATCH THE VIDEO. | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |
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