Unique people have unique ideas. Unique ideas need unconventional spaces. That’s how Dupp & Swat was born of two unique people in 2010 – siblings Dion (AKA Dupp) and Davita (AKA Swat) Galloway.

“[Dupp & Swat] is whatever the community wants. We’ll continue to do events similar to that which we’ve always done and will say ‘yes’ to events not yet tried, not yet created, as well. If we have the capacity and aren’t already booked, consider it done,” said Davita Galloway.

And then … it was time to move

Dion and Davita Galloway

In establishing the original Dupp & Swat, Davita and Dion created the place they could never find — a place where everyone was welcome, where people who could never find a place to express and share their talents or sell their wares could find a willing partner. They played host to every event under the sun. And, then … they had to move.

Unconventional places need a community with vision and owners with understanding to thrive. Property owners and rent increases forced them to move from their original location in Noda. Other factors contributed to them leaving their second home on The Plaza.

“We’ve seen it time and time again where artists create the vibe and culture of an area, making it a destination for many, to only be kicked out when larger offers/businesses come calling,” Davita said.

The mural says it all

Camp North End invited them to open a third location on their grounds in 2017. Now, they’ve moved into a larger, 1800-square foot location on the Camp North End grounds, adorned by a sprawling floor mural and (as Davita puts it) a “kick a$$ garage door that spills out into a colorful walkway.” They’re finally home. It hasn’t been easy. It’s taken will and persistence. And, the mural itself speaks to the long journey it’s been to their new home.

“John Hairston, Jr.  — the artist — appropriately named it ‘D&S #3.’ It’s the third mural he’s created for us, the first being at our Plaza location. The second was inside our smaller suite at Camp North End,” said Davita.

While the mailing addresses may have changed frequently since 2010, the mission hasn’t. Like previous iterations of Dupp & Swat, the new location is a space where anything is possible.

Davita says, “We enjoy and take pride in giving Charlotte a platform to create, try the untried and living out a dream.”

Visit Dupp & Swat … and rent it, too

Visitors to the new Dupp & Swat can expect an incredible soundtrack playing as they peruse a collection of local art & clothing. They can also rent the space for their own events at a fair price — $50/hr for nonprofit-use or photoshoots and $85 an hour for events. Right pricing event space is important to Davita. As she says, “We want to remain affordable and not let cost be a barrier for progress.”

And, although the paint is barely dry, Dupp & Swat is already innovating. Davita says, “Beginning JULY 15th, we’re launching ‘THE INCUBATOR’ — our take on a coworking, makerspace. During its pilot, we’ll be open Sunday-Friday, 9-6pm and members will have access to a variety of amenities, event access and other perks.” Offering unique spaces for creatives comes at a critical time, given recent developments not far from Camp North End.

Unique ideas need unconventional spaces.

And, Davita and Dion Galloway are bound and determined to provide that space.