Charlotte’s Not Boring. So, Let’s Stop Saying That.

By Makayla Binter

What’s up creative people! It’s Makayla Binter speaking and I am here to warn you in advance: This is going to be a spicier post  than usual.

I write with the full intention of calling you out to call you into the solution – to invite and share. To build and collaborate. Because that is where our city thrives.

Now, let’s get into it, because you read the title.

[BTW – The title may not describe YOU, but it describes lots of people you know. And, we can do something about that. Together.]

THE STORIES WE TELL MATTER.

I’ve been seeing a lot of discourse on different social media channels, publications and platforms discussing what is missing in Charlotte – what we don’t have, especially when it comes to arts and culture.

Some are providing fair points and critiques about our RSVPing culture and day-of ticket sales (a conversation to be addressed another time). Others are fueled to foster click/rage bait for views and reach.

As fair as some points may be, I find that some of these thought pieces lack accountability for research, exploration and investigation of Charlotte. They sell an irresponsible portrait of the creative community here. They tell a story that’s VERY different from the reality I experience.

Live jazz with Sonorous Wave at Eighty-Eight’s 

In one weekend alone, I attended Amperé Cellars wine tasting inside of A.part[meant], a clothing boutique and art gallery, experienced the immersive, interactive exhibit, Chromatic Roots, at Arts +, listened to live jazz at Eighty Eights with Sonorous Wave and celebrated my mom’s birthday at Lorem Ipsum.

I understand you don’t know what you don’t know, but what I hear in the more scathing reviews of Charlotte are authors being comfortable, complacent and bubble-bound … in their minds and their geography –unwilling or unknowing of how to participate.

It’s an incomplete story about the experience in Charlotte. And, it’s a dangerous one.

The cure? GET OUT THERE.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR OWN EXPERIENCES

CreativeMornings/Charlotte at the VAPA Center | CREDIT: @a.m.o.photography

These bold statements of “there is nothing to do in Charlotte” often come out in close proximity to some large collaborative and creative events in the city like Charlotte SHOUT!, FOMO Museum Block Party (returning Sept. 17), BOOM Charlotte, CLT54, Confluence Conference, Charlotte Film Festival (returning Sept. 23 – 28) and the upcoming Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) – just to name a very few.

There’s a responsibility to tell a broader, more complete story about the creative life of our city.

And, all of us can help do that.

HELP TELL A BETTER STORY.

Boileryard Brunch, at Camp North End

What I have seen is:

  • Social media is a tool, use it for good!:
    Instagram just added a “repost” feature that allows you to share and boost a post. Use this to your advantage. Plus, a simple story share never hurt an event or flyer.
  • Follow trusted curators and accounts:
    Regardless of what kind of events you like, there is always someone sharing something. Granted, no one account can share everything, so diversify who you follow and get your event suggestions from. Dive in! Here are some folks to consider who share events:

  • Don’t be afraid to go alone:
    A lot of these events are FREE and open to the community. You will meet and connect with some great folks, so don’t let going alone or being surrounded by people who don’t look like you, stop you from having a great time.Here are some to help you make friends in the creative community:

If we continue to let these dismissive phrases get accepted and repeated, they tell a story that overshadows what our city is capable of and already doing. Because there is plenty to do, if you know where to look. Truly an “if you know, you know” scenario.

TAKE A CHANCE – OUR CURATORS NEED IT.
AND, THEY DESERVE IT.

#CLT54 Fashion Show at The Mint Museum

Take a chance and experience our arts and culture scene. You’ll be surprised by what you find. Start here with these recurring events every day of the week. This is just a starter kit. There IS SO MUCH MORE OUT THERE!

Each event has a different vibe and experience to provide guests. As residents of Charlotte, it’s up to us to participate – become an attendee, join a community and jump in.

In the space that I have to write (and keep your attention), I cannot mention every cool thing, group or experience in Charlotte. I can, however, point you in the right direction to discover them yourself. So, don’t be boring.

As I said up front, this editorial may not describe you. You may already be out there. Send this to someone who needs a little push. And, when you talk about the creative community to someone, remember to share. Tell the story of who we are, not who we aren’t.

Charlotte IS a creative city. OH … and SHOW UP when you RSVP!

And that’s an editorial for another day.