Charlotte Is Creative

Time is running out on these opportunities! October is a big month for events, but it’s also one of big, big opportunities and deadlines. Here are five with short-turn deadlines we don’t want you to miss out on. OPEN CALL: ARTPOP STREET GALLERY CLASS OF 2025 Due Oct. 13 | APPLY HERE: https://lnkd.in/dJP-x9tj It’s time to apply to be one of 20 visual artists (illustrators, painters, sculptors, fashion, photographers, etc.) featured on billboards across the city in 2025 through ArtPop Street Gallery. Full-time, part-time, and high school senior artists are invited to submit work for consideration and the chance to showcase their art in a big, big way. DEADLINE EXTENDED! Seeking Creatives for Make A Mark Make-A-Thon Due Oct. 15 | APPLY HERE: https://lnkd.in/eNNV3cDD Charlotte creatives are invited to apply for the upcoming Make A Mark (MAM) “Make-A-Thon,” with the application deadline extended to October 15. The event will take place on Nov. 23 at Do Greater, Inc. | Do Greater Creative Labs at Shiloh. MAM needs talented makers with experience in brand identity, social strategy, creative design, copywriting, video and photo production or web design to create work for local organizations. WOMEN'S IMPACT FUND: Due Oct. 18 | APPLY HERE: https://lnkd.in/eYMENbXi The annual Women's Impact Fund grant program is designed to strengthen high-impact projects working for significant positive change. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or have a fiscal agent and primarily serve Mecklenburg County. CULTURE BLOCKS Due Oct. 21 | APPLY HERE: https://lnkd.in/ewkGFqEx The Arts & Science Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (ASC) Culture Blocks program works with creatives to connect communities with local arts, science and history experiences. Funded by Mecklenburg County, Culture Blocks seeks individuals and organizations devoted to arts, science or history. Programming must occur before June 30, 2025. 3 Opportunities at Charlotte SHOUT! Due Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. | APPLY HERE: https://lnkd.in/enfk5rnQ Charlotte SHOUT!, presented by Charlotte Center City Partners, is scheduled to return April 4-20, 2024. Local creatives are invited to submit for 3 distinct opportunities: !cons: Design/decorate a giant exclamation point to be displayed at various venues. Returning from the 2022 SHOUT! Easter Eggs on Parade: Design/decorate one of 12 giant eggs gracing Uptown Charlotte. Selected artists will receive $2,000. Queen's Greens Mini Golf: Design and build one of nine mini golf course holes at one of the most popular parts of SHOUT! Selected artists will receive $10,000.

PLEASE APPLY OR SHARE! 🚨 𝗖𝗘𝗜 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗰𝘁. 𝟭𝟯! 🚨⁣ ⏳ New Deadline: Oct. 13⁣ 🔗APPLY NOW at: https://lnkd.in/eyN_3ySs ⁣ 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗪𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 🎨⁣ ⁣ Whether you’re looking to sharpen your business skills or take your creative venture to the next level, CEI is here for you! There are a limited number of spots per cohort, so don’t miss out.⁣ ⁣ With the extended deadline, you’ve got ONE MORE WEEK to apply for the 2025 Spring and Fall Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative – our 7th and 8th cohorts! 🎉⁣Thank you to Mecklenburg County and Wells Fargo for the funding for this program! ⁣ 👀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?⁣ ⁣ 💼 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: We’ll pay you to attend 10 expert-led classes on contracts, marketing, bookeeping, relationship building, taxes, strategy, storytelling, pitching and more—all designed for creatives and taught by local subject-matter experts.⁣ ⁣ 💰 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: Complete the program and walk away with $1,500, consultations, headshots and collaboration opportunities.⁣ ⁣ 🎙️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Opportunities to be featured on our media channels and those of our media partners.⁣ ⁣ 🤝 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: We’ll work hard to connect you to local arts and business leaders who can help you move forward.⁣ ⁣ 💪 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: Build incredible partnerships with your fellow chort members and our growing CEI alumni network!⁣ ⁣ Encourage creative entrepreneurs to apply now or share with friends! 🌟⁣ ⁣ #CreativeCLT #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #CharlotteIsCreative #CEICharlotte

Want to help WNC Artists? Here are some suggestions.

I LOVE COLLABORATION! I’m excited to say that we were awarded a Goodie Award for “Coolest Collaboration” yesterday from SHARE Charlotte for a four-year project — The Path of Portraits — between Charlotte Is Creative and the Charlotte Museum of History. [Pictured here: Terri L. White, president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History and me) We help the Museum bring history alive by working with them to commission emerging, local artists to paint a portrait for a figure from Charlotte history — particularly a person who hasn’t received the acclaim they deserve. To date, there are 11 portraits in this permanent collection. And, we’re adding three more in October! Path of Portraits has become a signature exhibition at the Museum. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can see portraits in progress at special events at the Museum on Oct. 5 and 19! Congratulations to other local nonprofits recognized for a Goodie today! @charlotteangelsnonprofit Most Utilized Board @thepark_cdc Best Utilization of Volunteers @apparoclt Best Tech Partner @dfscharlotte + @bankofamerica Best Nonprofit and Corporate Partnership @dottierosefoundation + @carolinaascentfc Best Professional Sports Partnership @rwciimpact Best Youth Engagement @carolinaraptorcenter Best Social Media @charlottetoolbank Best Tools @madelynsfund + @thecrunkletoncharlotte Best Nonprofit Fundraising Campaign @wearecakeable Best Social Enterprise @communitylinknc Rockstar Volunteer Coordinator @thriveglobalproject + @deloitte Step Up Program Skills, Skills, Skills @queencitypodcastnetwork Do Good CLT Podcast Team Commitment to Elevating Charlotte Nonprofits

Say, "Hello" to Poppy! Then tell us about the creative events you're excited about coming in October!

Charlotte creatives! We hope to see you at two events designed to give creative entrepreneurs and organizations access to knowledge and social capital. POWER PANEL: Adopting the Entrepreneurial Mindset Monday, Sept. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Free with Sign Up Independent Picture House SIGN UP HERE: https://lnkd.in/epbt2EDj Ready to take your creative business to the next level? Charlotte Is Creative and the CLT Alliance Foundation invite you to our next Power Panel on Sept. 6. Over the course of three hours, we’ll explore: - How to stand out in a crowded space - Finding inspiration to scale and innovate - Practical tips for long-term growth - Sourcing social and financial capital - Local resources you can access This event features a panel discussion, Q&A, and breakout groups focused on the resources, support and capital you need to fuel innovation and bring your ideas to life. Get your questions answered directly by industry experts. Limited tickets are available. Our amazing panel of experts includes: Nate Hogan, MBA José D. Alvarez Tya Bolton Greg Brown Byran Li William McNeely Rebecca Weeks Watson And, another awesome event ... Creative Connections: YP Mixer with SHARE Charlotte Wed., Sept. 25 | 6 to 8 p.m. | $30 per Person Lenny Boy Brewing GET TICKETS: https://lnkd.in/d-T3ZMEY We’re thrilled to partner with SHARE Charlotte for this year’s YP Mixer. Together, we’re gathering 20 of Charlotte’s most inspiring arts organizations. This event is your opportunity to connect with fellow young professionals while diving into the creative pulse of our city. Explore five Creative Zones highlighting: - Arts Programming for Underserved Youth - Theater, Literature & Film - Museums - Music and Dance - Visual Arts & Empowering Artists Enjoy live performances throughout the evening that capture the essence of Charlotte’s diverse arts scene. Your $30 ticket includes light bites, two drink tickets, and the chance to engage with the creative nonprofits making a difference in our community.

Matt Olin and Tim Miner had a ball kicking off the 2024 Women's Impact Fund (WIF) Board Retreat with a special edition of the Queen City Quiz Show.⁣ ⁣ The game was based on WIF history, a little Charlotte Trivia and the WIF members themselves! (We sent them a pre-event survey about their lives and made fun questions about everything ranging from celebrities they’ve met to their first car.)⁣ ⁣ Curious about WIF? Here are a few questions!⁣ ⁣ 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗪𝗜𝗙 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱? (𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗼𝘂 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗯 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗮 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.)⁣ ANSWER: 2003⁣ ⁣ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗜𝗙?⁣ ANSWER: 158 ⁣ ⁣ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗜𝗙 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆?⁣ ANSWER: 475⁣ ⁣ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗪𝗜𝗙 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲?⁣ ANSWER: 1,100⁣ ⁣ 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹, 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗪𝗜𝗙 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲?⁣ $8.1 million too 100+ nonprofits (including @cltiscreative!)⁣ ⁣ And, we asked a question that always sparks lively debate:⁣ ⁣ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 “𝗬’𝗔𝗹𝗹”?⁣ ANSWER: All Y’All (Yup!)⁣ ⁣ Check out more about WIF at womensimpactfund.org ⁣ And, DM us if you’re interested in hiring us to do a special Queen City Quiz Show for your group or company!⁣

"Kudzu: A Story of Belonging" Opens Aug. 22 at QC Family Tree READ OUR FULL STORY HERE: https://lnkd.in/enBhi-2e Kat Martin is at it again, inviting audiences to lose themselves mentally and physically in a dramatic performance. Over the past several years, Martin and her company, Mixed Metaphors Productions, have established themselves as leaders in Charlotte’s performance community. MMP stages original productions that explore hyper-local public issues through “art installations, new oral histories, immersive theatre and rad parties,” according to their Linktree page. GETTING TANGLED UP IN THE PROCESS Now, "Kudzu: A Story of Belonging" is challenging audiences to confront what it means to call Charlotte home and delve into housing justice and the essence of community through the lens of an open house. The intimate setting is designed to blur the lines between audience and participant, creating a unique, immersive experience. WALKING THROUGH DAILY REALITIES “In this show, we’re imagining the future by exploring the nuances of the present housing crisis,” says Kat Martin, founder of MMP. “What assumptions do we have about Charlotte? In a time when 113 people move to Charlotte every day and 55 Charlotteans are evicted daily, what myths do we want to believe?” During the 55-minute performance, audience members will walk through an Enderly Park home and encounter characters like “The Person Packing,” who has 90 days to vacate their current residence. This character represents the increase in eviction rates. The cast features Sunnee Goodwin, Cecilia McNeill, and Teresa Long, with live performances of the original score by music director Liza Ortiz. GET WRAPPED UP IN “KUDZU” “Kudzu: A Story of Belonging” runs from Aug. 22 to Sept. 1 at QC Family Tree’s Big Blue House at 2916 Parkway Ave. Get tickets HERE: https://lnkd.in/eJQRXZN6.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLT CREATIVES: August 20, 2024 Click the links below for more information on these opportunities. They are organized by deadline date. SHARE THEM WITH THE CREATIVES IN YOUR LIFE! ART COMPETITION: Design Shop Small Saturday Tote Bag Open competition to submit a design to be considered for a 2024 South End Tote Bag handed out at Shop Small Saturday on Nov. 30. $500 prize. NOTE: Spec art is required to apply. DEADLINE: Aug. 26 MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/eAxJKavg GRANT FUNDING: Beyond Open CLT Apply for funds (ranging from $10,000 to $150,000) for small business owners to purchase capital assets such as equipment, technology, inventory, and real estate. Funds are available to small businesses of all industries, including brick-and-mortar, professional service providers, and creative entrepreneurs. DEADLINE: Aug. 30 MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/eWqHTwxB OPEN CALL: 3 Opportunities in The Pearl Innovation District Three visual art opportunities (two 2D murals and one 3D piece) ranging in budget from $4K to $32K are now open for submissions of qualifications. NOTE: NO spec art is required to apply. DEADLINE: Sept. 1 MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/eWueC2J2 CALL FOR ARTISTS: Centerpieces for Breakfast for the Arts @CabarrusArtsCouncil is seeking artists to create 80 centerpieces for their upcoming fundraiser. Selected artists will get an honorarium of $1,000. DEADLINE: Submit by Sept. 14 MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/exeZutpV CALL FOR ART: Mooresville Arts 42nd Artoberfest Juried art show Oct. 1 to Nov. 14. $25 for members; $50 for non-members. DEADLINE: Submissions due Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/erbXbP7K CALL FOR ART: Spooky: The Arts of Superstition Submit art to be considered for inclusion in an @OBRACollective show featuring art inspired by superstitions Nov. 2-30. DEADLINE: Sept. 30 MORE INFO: https://lnkd.in/e6SVYuDn  #CLTCreatives #ArtOpportunities #SupportLocalArt #CreativeEntrepreneurs #CharlotteIsCreative  

Ever looked at an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) and wondered, "Where do I start!?!?!?!" Well, we sure have. Here are some tips and best practices we've learned along the way.