CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwire - Aug 29, 2012) - Art and artistic expression have long been prevalent across the greater Charlotte region. The region's history of embracing the arts and creative output continues to evolve and reflect the increasing diversity of the community.
"Audiences in Charlotte expect a broad range of experiences, from great museums and great traditional institutions to experiences that are about connecting more at a grassroots level," said Scott Provancher, president, Arts & Science Council.
Just in center city alone, Charlotte has over 80 works of public art. Since the passage of the City & County's 1% for art ordinance in 2003, over 80 artists and more than 70 works of art have been commissioned for Charlotte-Mecklenburg as a result of the ordinance.
Another example of the arts in Charlotte is Inspire the Fire, a Charlotte-based non-profit, that aims to inspire positive change in adolescents through faith, fun and the arts. Inspire the Fire hosts a week-long arts camp for approximately 400 young people in the city of Charlotte and surrounding areas. This camp gives young people the platform to express themselves and become the dancers, choreographers and singers they have always dreamed of becoming. Inspire the Fire was recently featured on America's Got Talent. "Our goal is not necessarily to achieve artistic perfection, but really to motivate and inspire them to change their world through the use of their artistic gifts," said Dennis Reed, CEO of Inspire the Fire.
Last year, the Arts & Science Council (ASC) funded over $10 million to 115 organizations and 22 artists in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. One of the beneficiaries of ASC's support has been On Q Productions, an emerging African American Theater company founded in 2006 by Quentin "Q" Talley, which produces original works that reflect the black diaspora, particularly that of African Americans.
About Charlotte
Charlotte is a world-class city that will host the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Yet there is much more to this city. Charlotte is home to a great quality of life and is an amazing place to live, work, play and visit. From sports to the arts, from outdoor adventures to culinary delights, this progressive city is home to an excellent airport, phenomenal weather and a can-do attitude. To learn more about aspects of Charlotte, visit http://charlottein2012.com/charlotte/stories/.
More Information
For more information on The Arts and Science Council, visit http://www.artsandscience.org/
For more information on Inspire the Fire, visit http://www.inspirethefire.org
For more about On Q Productions, visit: http://www.youarenowonq.com/about-us
For more of the Carolina Stories Series, visit http://charlottein2012.com/
Contact Information:
Contact:
Winn Maddrey
704.905.2912