From One Artist to Another: The Paint is wet. Make your Stroke.

By Makayla Binter

Hey there, creative folks. It’s Makayla Binter speaking, and I know it’s been a while.

Last week was the five-year anniversary of the Black Lives Matter mural installation Uptown. And, that has me thinking about the impact the creative community has had on Charlotte since. 

I’ve been enjoying watching Charlotte’s creative community blossom — experiencing what feels like a second renaissance. 

At Charlotte Is Creative, we often say that in Charlotte, “the paint is still wet here” — meaning there’s plenty of room to leave your mark. The rules are not set. New Charlotteans and individuals can make a huge impact if they dive in. There’s time and space for you:

  • To make creative friends
  • To share your voice
  • To lend an ear … or a pair of hands
  • To try
  • To fail
  • To put on your uniform … and get it dirty
  • To get to work

TO GET INVOLVED

I believe wholeheartedly that anyone can make an impact. And if you don’t know where to start, I’ve got you. We’ve got you. 

Charlotte is still a fairly young city. We’re still experiencing growing pains compared to more established cities. But that’s what makes our community so beautiful — there’s still room to shape it.

“Jumping in” looks different to everyone- whether you’re an introvert, extrovert, or a severely declining social battery. There are options for you, so here are a few ways to get started:

  • Attend an Event: Search for local Charlotte events, both free and ticketed, on Eventbrite, Posh and Partiful. You can even filter by event type — these sites aren’t just for parties.
  • Attend or speak at City Council, County Commission or Neighborhood Meetings: Connect with your neighbors, council members and commissioners. For example, The NoDa Neighborhood and Business Association regularly hosts gatherings. See them HERE.
  • Volunteer and Offer Your Time: Hundreds of nonprofits are based in Charlotte.  Offer your time, talent, energy, mentorship or career advice. You can explore options through databases like  SHARE Charlotte.
  • Learn: Take a class, course or join a program to learn a new medium, business practice or connect with fellow creatives. Check out Sketch Charlotte, Hot Glass Alley, Clayworks or our Business Resource Page for more classes and courses.
  • Apply for Funding: The City of Charlotte will open applications for three Creative Growth Grants designed to strengthen Charlotte’s creative ecosystem. Read more and prep submissions HERE.

The above suggestions are to get your search started. But, we don’t want to stop there. Here are four ways to jump in right now with Charlotte Is Creative.

START WITH US. We’re built for that. 

  • Show Up:
    • CreativeMornings/Charlotte – A free, monthly breakfast lecture celebrating Charlotte’s creative spirit. Stay up to date HERE.
    • Makers & Creators Mixer – A networking event disguised as a party. Join us June 20, 5-9 p.m. at Camp North End. Register HERE.
    • Coffee With Creatives/Crushin’ With Creatives – 15 creatives. One location. Good vibes and great conversation. Follow @cltiscreative on Instagram for your invite for June 26. Get an idea of the event  HERE. 
    • Charlotte Reciprocity Circles – Social capital exchange gathering where creatives learn to ask for what they need, and give of what they have. RSVP for the next one on Saturday, July 12 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. HERE. Get an idea of the event HERE.
  • Volunteer With Us: We always need helping hands at events. Jump in HERE.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us. Join in.