# Charlotte is Creative > Charlotte is Creative provides programs, resources, training, connections, and opportunities for emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs to thrive in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Charlotte is Creative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2015 and based in Charlotte, NC. It runs the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI), HUG Micro-Grants, CreativeMornings/Charlotte, and The Biscuit, its newsletter and storytelling platform. Articles are listed by what readers use most; every page has a Markdown version at its address plus /index.md. ## Pages - [About Charlotte is Creative - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/about-charlotte-is-creative/index.md): Charlotte Is Creative (CIC), a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, was established in 2015 by two lifelong friends, Matt Olin and Tim Miner, - [Bolts of Inspiration - OrthoCarolina and TheSavageWay](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/bolts-of-inspiration/index.md): Beautiful moss art bolts recognize innovative, creative Charlotteans working to make the Queen City a more vibrant and loving place. - [Bolts of Inspiration - UNC Charlotte and TheSavageWay](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/bolts-of-inspiration-unc-charlotte-and-thesavageway/index.md): Charlotte Is Creative presents Bolts of Inspiration, moss art bolts that recognize innovative, creative Charlotteans working to help make the Queen City... - [Charlotte is Creative | Championing Charlotte’s Creativity](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/index.md): Nonprofit programs, micro-grants and training for emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, NC. - [CIC Privacy Policy - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/cic-privacy-policy/index.md): Whether you strike a match with a small donation, fan the flames with a sustained monthly gift, or fuel a bonfire with a large gift, you are helping to - [Community Engagement / Employee Engagement](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/community-engagement-employee-engagement/index.md): Charlotte Is Creative designs and delivers custom engagement experiences that connect people to purpose, information and each other. - [Creative Content Development - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-content-development/index.md): We tell your story in creative ways and drive connections with your audiences. - [Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI)](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/cei/index.md): The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative is a 10-week business training program for artists and creative entrepreneurs in Charlotte, NC, held twice a year. - [Creative Project Management - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-project-management/index.md): Charlotte Is Creative develops and manages projects for corporations and nonprofits, calling on Charlotte’s creative community to join the team and take... - [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Statement](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/diversity-equity-inclusion-statement/index.md): Whether you strike a match with a small donation, fan the flames with a sustained monthly gift, or fuel a bonfire with a large gift, you are helping to - [Donate to Charlotte is Creative - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/donate-to-charlotte-is-creative/index.md): Whether you strike a match with a small donation, fan the flames with a sustained monthly gift, or fuel a bonfire with a large gift, you are helping to... - [Donate to HUG Micro-Grants - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/hug-micro-grants/donate-to-hug-micro-grants/index.md): Each month, two $250 HUG Micro-Grants will be awarded at each month’s CreativeMornings/Charlotte meeting. Your help makes this all possible! - [Employee Engagement Programs - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/employee-engagement-programs/index.md): Charlotte Is Creative partners with companies and organizations to design and deliver customized Employee Engagement Programs that help strengthen the m... - [Frequently Asked Questions - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/cggfaq/index.md): Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (from applicants) for the City of Charlotte's Spring 2024 Opportunity Fun Grant. - [Holiday Giving: Donate to Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/holiday-giving-donate-to-charlotte-is-creative/index.md): Every dollar helps us forge new pathways to opportunity and economic mobility for diverse, emerging creatives through innovative programs and advocacy. - [HUG Grantee Public Database - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/hug-grantee-public-database/index.md): Funding H.U.G.s is only part of how we want to help you. We want to tell your story, too. - [HUG Micro-Grants: Help Us Tell Your Story](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/hug-micro-grants/hug-micro-grants-help-us-tell-your-story/index.md): Dear HUG friends, Whew! It’s been a busy year! But it’s time to catch up with you, find out what you’ve been doing and let you know about some new - [HUGs - Helpful Unfettered Gifts - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/hugs-helpful-unfettered-gifts/index.md): A H.U.G. (Helpful Unfettered Gift) is a $250 micro-grant awarded monthly to help Charlotte creatives move a first forward: a new project, product or per... - [OneBand - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/one-band/index.md): OneBand is CIC’s community “flash band”: local musicians and aspiring players of any skill level share a short setlist, rehearse once and perform togeth... - [Ongoing Free Programs for Networking & Skill Building](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/free-programs/index.md): Not everyone needs, or is ready for, a 10-week program like the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative, so Charlotte Is Creative also runs lighter, regular e... - [Micro-becas HUG: regalos útiles sin restricciones](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/programa-de-micro-becas-hug-un-regalo-util-sin-restricciones/index.md): Las micro-becas HUG de $250 son regalos útiles y sin restricciones para creativos de Charlotte. Conozca los requisitos y aplique. - [WBTV Appearances - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wbtv-appearances/index.md): The media channel of Charlotte Is Creative, exploring the Queen City creative community with news, video and podcasts. - [Charlotte is Creative: 60 Seconds of Inspiration…](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/charlotte-is-creative-60-seconds-of-inspiration-crowd-sourced-video/index.md): Get a 60-second shot of creative inspiration! Watch the video below to bask in a small sampling of Charlotte's immense creativity. Once you've seen it, - [The Biscuit: The Official Newsletter of Charlotte is…](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/biscuit-charlotte-creative-news-food-music-art-entertainment-culture-community/index.md): Charlotte creative news, food, art, music, culture & community. A guide for residents & newcomers to explore Queen City events & neighborhoods. - [Exploring Charlotte - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/exploring-charlotte/index.md): Maybe you’re new to Charlotte. Or maybe you’ve been here for a while, but are still eager to get plugged in. We’re your guide to the surging creative - [Contact - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/contact/index.md): We would love to hear from Charlotte’s creative community, and from anyone ready to jump in. Whether you have a question, an idea or a partnership in mi... - [HUG Micro-Grants - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/hug-micro-grants/index.md): H.U.G.s (Helpful Unfettered Gifts) are $250 strings-free micro-grants, awarded monthly to nonprofit and for-profit creative initiatives in Charlotte to... - [Creative Mornings/Charlotte - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-mornings-charlotte/index.md): CreativeMornings/Charlotte is our free monthly breakfast lecture series celebrating the creative spirit of the Queen City and featuring local speakers,... - [Creative Things to do in Charlotte from Home](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-things-to-do-in-charlotte-from-home/index.md): We have all been ordered to stay at home for at least the next several weeks. While we are stuck inside, now is the perfect time to learn a new - [Queen City Quiz Show - Team building events for any audience](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/queen-city-quiz-show/index.md): Queen City Quiz Show is a live, traveling game show built to make civic engagement fun, accessible and memorable. - [Articles - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/articles/index.md): Creative news, artist profiles, grants and gigs, editorials and podcasts from Charlotte's creative community, from the team at Charlotte Is Creative. - [Where Are We in CLT? - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/where-are-we-in-clt/index.md): Your neighborhood guide to what is going on in the Queen City! - [The Biscuit - Mailing List Signup - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/the-biscuit-mailing-list-signup/index.md): The Biscuit is the email newsletter of Charlotte Is Creative: stories, people and opportunities from Charlotte's creative community, in your inbox. ## Most-read articles - [Belle Acres Golf & Country Club - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/belle-acres-golf-country-club/index.md): There’s been a gargoyle sighting in South End! These gargantuan stone guardians protect the Belle Acres Golf & Country Club. (Did you know that there - [Tips For Your Portfolio – From One Artist To Another](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/tips-for-your-portfolio-from-one-artist-to-another/index.md): In my time at Davidson College, I learned a lot about how to present myself as an artist; my thoughts, goals and conversations I was engaging through my - [Artist Burnout: The Creative Void and How to Navigate It](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/artist-burnout-the-creative-void-and-how-to-navigate-it/index.md): A comprehensive guide to understanding and overcoming artist burnout, featuring resources and support for the Charlotte creative community. - [Best Jazz Clubs in Charlotte: Where to Find Live Jazz Music](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/best-jazz-clubs-in-charlotte-where-to-find-live-jazz-music/index.md): Discover the best of local jazz acts, with each club offering a unique vibe and atmosphere. Get ready for an unforgettable night of smooth grooves and improvisational magic! - [2026 Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI)](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/cei/index.md): The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) helps Charlotte-Mecklenburg creatives build sustainable businesses through 10 weeks of expert-led classes, mentorship, and funding. Join or support CEI today. - [The Queen City’s Crown Saga - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/the-queen-citys-crown-saga/index.md): Charlotte’s crown logo reigns across the Queen City. It has been used as a Charlotte emblem for more than 65 years, stemming from the City’s royal - [Remembering Park-N-Shop - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/remembering-park-n-shop/index.md): Let’s celebrate the small Park-N-Shop chain of stores and the man who created them. - [Behind the Threads with RENT Costume Designer, Angela Wendt](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/behind-the-threads-with-rent-costume-designer-angela-wendt/index.md): With RENT’s 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour coming to Blumenthal Performing Arts Nov. 9–14, we had the honor of speaking with the woman who helped create - [New Creative Growth Grants Open on June 19](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/new-creative-growth-grants-open-on-june-19/index.md): New support is on the way for creatives in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. - [AVAILABLE CREATIVE GIGS: Arts For Life & Charlotte Is…](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-gigs-arts-for-life-charlotte-is-creative/index.md): A creative requires creative organizations and businesses fueled by (you guessed it) passionate creatives. - [Hugh McManaway Statue on Queens Road - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/hugh-mcmanaway-statue-wrw/index.md): On August 3, we played a game of "Where Are We In CLT?" with our pals at WBTV’s QC Life. Throughout the day we left clues on social media about our top - [Ratcliffe's Flowers at The Green - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/ratcliffes-flowers-at-the-green/index.md): Back in 1917, Louis Ratcliffe started a floral business, appropriately named Ratcliffe’s Flowers, at 431 South Tryon Street. The business operated until - [Independence Tower - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/independence-tower/index.md): Decades before the “Pink Building” on South Boulevard was blinding Charlotte drivers with its unique color scheme, there was another tower reflecting the - [I’m a Sandwich: El Molino Deli & Bakery](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/im-a-sandwich-el-molino-deli-bakery/index.md): Charlotte’s Central Avenue Corridor is a food mecca, unlike any other around the Queen City. All along Central Avenue, strip malls and non-descript - [‘Without art, life is just existing’ - Meet Priya Sircar](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/meet-priya-sircar-charlottes-first-arts-and-culture-officer/index.md): Priya Sircar will serve as the City of Charlotte's first arts and culture officer beginning Sept. 13. The former director of arts for the John S. and - [Sonja Gantt Teaches Us to End Well - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/sonja-gantt-teaches-us-to-end-well/index.md): Before an audience of more than 350 in historic Biddle Hall on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University, Sonja Gantt spoke of "ending well." She candidly explored her decision to fight conventional wisdom to transition from a successful career as a broadcast journalist into public education by leading the CMS Foundation. - [PODCAST: Who Built Ricky Singh? - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/podcast-who-built-ricky-singh/index.md): Ricky Singh is an educator, artist and father of four in Charlotte. He knows what it takes to help build individuals and neighborhoods by engaging their - [Overcoming Creative Blocks: Essential Tips & Tricks for All](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/overcoming-creative-blocks-essential-tips-tricks-for-all/index.md): Discover expert tips & tricks for overcoming creative blocks. Break free from stagnation and unleash your creativity with our comprehensive guide. - [A Brief History of Camp North End - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/a-brief-history-of-camp-north-end/index.md): Long before it was home to Immersive Van Gogh and an eclectic collection of art galleries, retailers, restaurants, community event spaces and corporate - [CLT Creative Spaces We Adore - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-spaces-we-adore-part-1/index.md): Creative experiences exist across the city, and as we head toward Valentine’s Day, we want to share some of our favorite places for creative activations, - [Charlotte NeuroArts Coalition - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/neuroarts/index.md): Visual Note by artist Bambi Reid Creative Care for Every Stage of Life The Charlotte NeuroArts Coalition, led by Charlotte Is Creative, brings together - [Join ONEBAND for the Next Gig on March 12](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/oneband/index.md): Charlotte Is Creative’s “flash band” experience, OneBand, has been creating a megaton of creative energy, musical connection and vibe-a-licious fun out - [The "Lights" Are Still Bright at the Whitewater Center](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/the-lights-are-still-bright-at-the-whitewater-center/index.md): The holiday lights have been packed up and put away for another year across the city, but there is still holiday magic alive in the air (and the woods) - [Old City Hall - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/old-city-hall/index.md): Last week, we showed you the Butterfly Highway pit stop behind the Old City Hall in Uptown but… we never showed you Old City Hall itself! In 1924, the - [Charlotte Reciprocity Circles: Social Capital Exchange](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/crc/index.md): Charlotte Reciprocity Circles NEXT EVENT: May 16 (10am - 11:30am) Blume Studios (904 Post St, Charlotte, NC 28208) REGISTER HERE FOR FREE Charlotte - [The Manor Theatre - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/the-manor-theatre/index.md): Grab your popcorn and Milk Duds cuz we’re goin’ to the movies! The Manor Theatre has been a staple of the Myers Park neighborhood since its construction - [Celebrating Charlotte's Latinx Creatives](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/celebrating-charlottes-latinx-creatives/index.md): September 15 through October 15, we're celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing glimpses of Charlotte's incredible Latinx creatives on our - [When Volunteerism Turns Toxic - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/when-volunteerism-turns-toxic/index.md): Well, I finally did it. I picked a topic so taboo that I was rejected by several area experts when asked to go on record for this installment of - [Get Your Groove On! Charlotte's Guide to Live Music Venues](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/get-your-groove-on-charlottes-guide-to-live-music-venues/index.md): From massive singalongs to intimate gigs, Charlotte's got the perfect live music venue for you. Discover legendary stages & neighborhood favorites. - [What’s the history behind uptown Charlotte’s four wards?](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/whats-the-history-behind-uptown-charlottes-four-wards/index.md): When Charlotte’s new Major League Soccer team, Charlotte FC, unveiled its logo, they rooted it in Charlotte history. As a community historian, I sure do - [Meet Charlotte’s Most Exciting Asian and Pacific Islander…](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/charlottes-favorite-asian-pacific-islander-creatives-2/index.md): For AAPI Heritage Month 2021, we asked our readers and followers for nominations for Charlotte's Favorite Asian and Pacific Islander Creatives doing - [Where Are We In CLT? Seafarer - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/where-are-we-in-clt-seafarer/index.md): Who remembers a giant sign featuring a white whale spouting water on Albemarle Rd.? Our hands are raised. - [NOW OPEN: Opportunities for Creatives (1/9/25)](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-opportunities-with-close-deadlines-10-9-24/index.md): Here are a ton of opportunities with deadlines we don’t want you to miss out on. - [Supporting Marginalized Artists: Why Representation…](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/supporting-marginalized-artists-why-representation-matters-how-you-can-help/index.md): Empower the diverse voices of the art world! Learn how to actively support and amplify marginalized artists in Charlotte and beyond. Discover resources, actionable steps, and why representation matters. - ["The World Should Know ..." Charlottean Mattie Marshall](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/the-world-should-know-charlottean-mattie-marshall/index.md): This is the third and final installment of “The World Should Know …” - a special series exploring a remarkable Charlottean through a written story, a - [5 Ridiculous Questions with Todd Smith](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/5-ridiculous-questions-with-todd-smith/index.md): When Todd Smith became the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s executive director in early September, it was a homecoming of sorts. Smith lived in Charlotte - [Home of the 90s - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/home-of-the-90s/index.md): Now this is a story all about how, one creative woman flipped her home upside down, and we’d like to take a minute, to tell you all about this starlet, - [“The World Should Know …” - Meet Rudean Harris](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/the-world-should-know-rudean-harris/index.md): This is the first installment of “The World Should Know …” a special series exploring a remarkable Charlottean through a written story, a podcast and an - [Creative Jobs Available at CMS - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/creative-jobs-available-at-cms/index.md): Charlotte creatives, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has paid opportunities for you to create classroom-based art experiences for students.⁣ ⁣ CMS schools - [Rex the Lion - Charlotte is Creative](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/where-are-we-in-clt-rex-the-lion/index.md): A ginormous lion has been prowling South Park since 2007 ... and his name is "Rex." The good news is he can't move, probably because weighs around seven tons. According to Queens Univerity, Rex, who was sculpted by Jon Hair of Cornelius, reigns as the world’s largest standing lion sculpture as he welcomes visitors atop his pedestal throne at the Queens Sports Complex off Tyvola Road.