UPDATE: 8 Arts & Culture Plan Priorities

By Tim Miner & Matt Olin on August 30, 2023

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Fellow creatives,

As we’ve shared before, an Arts and Culture Advisory Board and steering committee, composed of arts funders, business leaders, representatives of arts organizations and independent creatives and citizens has been working since last year to develop a new comprehensive plan to guide the future of arts funding, development and support for the next decade. Along the way, hundreds of Charlotteans have shared their thoughts on the importance of the arts through surveys and community meetings.

CHARLOTTE NEEDS ALL OUR CREATIVES.

In the spirit of an “all hands on deck” initiative like this, we have participated in this effort. Our goal has been to provide our experiences and insights on what the creative sector needs to stabilize, grow and thrive at all levels, from legacy organizations to individual full-time and part-time creatives across a wide range of disciplines.

In concert with others and in keeping with the findings of the creative business survey we released last year, we have shared our belief that creatives and organizations should be recognized for their contributions to Charlotte’s quality of life and national reputation.

We have represented our conviction that artists and creatives are small businesses that contribute mightily to our economy and social mobility. We feel those opinions have been heard and embraced in this work, as well as those of many others in the creative community.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

The arts and culture plan is at a critical point. Your input is needed to move it forward … and, we’re encouraging you to share it, too.

Working more than 50 people through special taskforces, the Arts & Culture Board has developed eight draft priorities and strategies ready for public review. PLEASE NOTE: These priorities and strategies are not the complete “Arts & Culture Plan.” But, they will guide and direct the actions and implementation steps that will flesh out the plan. They are the WHAT that will direct the HOW.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS.

Please read the priorities and strategies here. You may agree with them. You may disagree with them. You may have suggestions to improve them. There are two important opportunities to contribute your thoughts and opinions:

ONE: TONIGHT – Aug. 30
Attend a virtual feedback session from 6 to 8 p.m.
REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE.
TWO: Through 11:59 a.m. on Sept. 6
Complete an Online Survey about the eight priorities.
TAKE SURVEY HERE.

Please give your time, share your mind and experiences through one of the avenues above. This plan will touch everyone in Charlotte and guide the future. Your voice and your passion are needed.

All good things,

Tim Miner & Matt Olin
Charlotte Is Creative

To help you prepare for the virtual session tonight, below are the eight draft priorities. Read them with their affiliated draft strategies.

PRIORITY 1
Ensure sustainable and reliable funding for arts and culture in Charlotte/Mecklenburg through public-private planning, collaboration, and commitment.

PRIORITY 2
The public sector must partner with an already active private sector to play a leadership role in building Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s arts and culture ecosystem, including governance and funds delivery.

PRIORITY 3
Equitable, accessible and inclusive support and funding are critical to advancing, growing and sustaining BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and other artists and institutions—particularly small and mid-sized organizations—that have been historically marginalized in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg arts ecosystem.

PRIORITY 4
Provide access to affordable space for the creation and experience of arts and culture.

PRIORITY 5
Eliminate barriers to arts and culture creation and participation.

PRIORITY 6
Achieve widespread awareness and visibility of arts and culture through strengthening communication.

PRIORITY 7
Foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the creative ecosystem and with other sectors.

PRIORITY 8
Expand arts education experiences—early childhood to lifelong learners—for greater access and exposure to arts and culture, enhancing quality of life, robust workforce development, and the retention and cultivation of future artists and supporters.

Read the policies and their draft strategies in full.