Charlotte Space Program at McColl Center Is “Go For Launch” Again
Applications Open for Free Creative Space and Resources at McColl CenterCharlotte creatives need space. That message came through loud and clear in two efforts undertaken by Charlotte Is Creative (CIC), publisher of The Biscuit, over the last 18 months. Last April, with the help of Hue House and EY wavespace, CIC conducted an informal session with 40+ local creative leaders and creative entrepreneurs to ask, “What conditions are needed to have a sustainable creative career in Charlotte?” To end the session, participants developed five guiding principles. The first principle dealt with space: “Increase access to affordable community spaces that nurture and showcase creativity.” Read the full report from the session here. To further explore the opinions shared in the session with EY wavespace, CIC commissioned the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute to conduct a more expansive survey of local and regional creatives who draw at least a portion of their annual income from their creative work. The survey was supported by the Arts & Science Council and the Reemprise Fund. Read the report here. Creative space rose to the top again. When asked, “What conditions would improve your ability to make a living as an artist or creative worker?” 60 percent of the 643 creatives who took the survey said: Affordable Workspace. THE CHARLOTTE SPACE PROGRAMLast year, before both the EY wavespace session and the UNC Charlotte survey, CIC entered into a partnership with the McColl Center to secure and fund a space in their studios at McColl Center through the HUG Micro-Grant program. Newly dubbed the Charlotte Space Program, this workspace-based micro-grant is awarded to local creatives in four-month mini-residences. The studio at McColl Center also includes access the facility’s shared creative resources — printmaking, sculpture, ceramic, 3-D and media equipment. And, it links you to the incredible community of artists working in the studios around you. Since last spring, four different creatives – Eboné M. Lockett, Emily Nunez, Lauren Puckett and Javier Collado – have been selected for a mini-residency in the granted studio at McColl Center. APPLICATION TIMELINE:Online Information Sessions: Applications Close: Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 at 8 p.m. Grantees Notified: Sept. 30, 2022 Studio Space Begins: Oct. 7 , 2022 For more information and an online application click the button below. 
Star PowerBLACKSTAR SYMPHONY Artistic Director Donny McCaslin, along with The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, David Bowie collaborators and John Cameron Mitchell bring Bowie’s final album, BLACKSTAR, to life
By Page Leggett BLACKSTAR SYMPHONY: The Music of David Bowie will tour the globe in 2023 and 2024. But first, the show will have its world premiere in Charlotte on Sept. 16 and 17, as part of the Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF). The concert is much more than a tribute to Bowie and his 26th and final album – although it certainly is that. The show’s artistic director and co-music director, Donny McCaslin, and his band collaborated with Bowie on BLACKSTAR, which was released on Jan. 8, 2016 – Bowie’s 69th birthday. That was just two days before the iconic artist’s death. Tickets for BLACKSTAR: The Music of David Bowie start at $39.50. CIAF, featuring more than 200 events, will take place Sept. 16 through Oct. 2 at locations in Uptown Charlotte and Ballantyne. Read more about the performance and purchase tickets. 
DUPP&SWAT duo highlight Black and brown artists and designers this weekendFRESH2DEATH: STREETWHERE Takes Place 9/10 & 9/11 After a successful installation at the Mint Museum earlier this year, DUPP&SWAT co-founders (and siblings) Davita and Dion Galloway began planning a spin-off this time focusing on the design and culture behind streetwear. The first iteration, FRESH2DEATH (F2D), was a collaboration with many artists, designers and expressionists—a perfect mixture of an exhibition, a selfie museum and a block party. The duo designed the exhibit to celebrate, highlight and inform the importance of Black contribution to mainstream culture. “Back with another iteration, FRESH2DEATH: STREETWHERE is an innovative and interesting take on the word, ‘WHERE,” said Davita Galloway. “The ‘WHERE’ reveals itself in the unique pop-up locations created by each brand/designer.” ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE
The “two-day extravaganza” will feature an all-day market starting Sept. 10 with seven, Black-owned brands and local artists facilitating workshops surrounding the “STREETWHERE” theme. Activities range from spoken word performances from Jordan Bailey to photography workshops and shoe customization workshops. The workshops were cultivated by local creative, Makayla Binter. Click the link below for more details, a schedule of workshops and ticket information.
Photo courtesy of Dupp & Swat.
Paid Art Opportunities at Charlotte SHOUT! 2023Charlotte Center City Partners has announced that Charlotte SHOUT! is seeking transformative ideas from imaginative and inspired storytellers to support the backbone of their 2023 event, taking place March 31 to April 16, 2023. WHO’S INVITED?
According to the SHOUT! website, “Charlotte SHOUT! is open to proposals from artists, designers, creatives, musicians, chefs, architects, engineers, businesses, and educational institutions to present ideas, designs, and concepts to be a part of the festival in 2023.” WHAT WORK IS AVAILABLE?
Proposed works will be temporary installations & events that should explore an engaging idea or thematic concept. We are seeking ideas for: - !CONS Giant Exclamation Points
- Easter Eggs on Parade – Year 2
- Light-Based Installations
- Projection-Mapping
- Music Showcase
- Original Ideas
LEARN MORE & APPLY
Comprehensive information and application links are available at CLTShout.com
Photo courtesy of Charlotte SHOUT!
Only Two More Opportunities to Experience Not In ReposeCharlotte-based multi-disciplinary artist, Meredith Connelly, was outraged by recent rulings by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). To share and explore her feelings and invite others to do likewise, she cultivated a diverse group of 20+ local, regional and national artists eager to express their emotions and thoughts on the current climate in the United States — ranging from racial disparity, immigration, reproductive rights and more — through their artwork. The exhibition, Not in Repose, opened on August 26 at Goodyear Arts at Camp North End. The exhibition was established, curated and launched within a six-week time period. Find a full list of participating artists here. Tonight, Sept. 9 and next Friday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. are final opportunities to see these powerful and very personal works before the exhibition closes.
Charlotte Is Creative is the presenting sponsor of “Not In Repose,” along with support from Goodyear Arts and the Arts & Science Council. Photo by Brooke Brown Photography.
This month, we asked a local artist to create something that can live inside the viewfinder brackets of the Charlotte Is Creative — graphic designer and illustrator, Eli McHone. He’s been in Charlotte for a year as a full-time creative and is available for hire. Let’s get to know him below: Eli McHoneEli was good enough to answer a few questions for us. Tell us about yourself.
“I’m a queer graphic designer and digital illustrator. My work is bright, saturated, graphic, cute and bold. My work is mainly in the digital world, but every now and then it pops up in coffee shops.” What kind of creative work can people hire you to do?“
I really want to get into making posters and social media illustrations for venues and local businesses. On the design side, I love brand + merch design.” How do you want people to feel when they see your work?
“I want people to feel queer joy when they look at my work. I’m a very happy queer person.” What does Charlotte need to do to support the creatives who live and work here?
“Give us money! Give us space! Give us opportunities! and like, maybe candy. that’s good for morale.” | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |  |
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