Discover Charlotte’s Vibrant Arts Scene
When you arrive at Charlotte-Douglas International airport, take a moment to look around before you join the rush to baggage claim. You’ll see an airport brought to life by dozens of murals created by local artists, experimental photographic collages, and – looking up – the occasional gravity-defying sculpture.
This welcome to the Queen City merely hints at the inspiring diversity of art, culture, and entertainment waiting to be explored. Here are some of the people who make Charlotte pulse with creative energy, the organizations that support them, and some of the many venues where you can see, hear, and feel the city’s arts scene for yourself.
Nico Amortegui
Two of Nico Amortegui’s murals decorate the walls of the airport. Born in Colombia, Nico has called Charlotte home for 20 years.
“I started by selling my paintings on the street for $20 and completed my first mural about ten years ago,” Nico recalls. “Back then, there were only a handful of artists in the city.” He says that changed when the Charlotte Arts & Science Council led an initiative to encourage public and independent art. Consequently, he’s seen the momentum build.
“In the past, when I told people I’m from Charlotte, they would often say, ‘Oh, the banking place?’ Now they say, ‘Oh, the place with all the murals!’ Artists are coming here from all over the country. We are heading in an amazing direction.”
Asked about his inspiration, Nico emphasizes the social value of art. “My work reflects positivity. I think a painting or a sculpture is a way to speak about society and to society; to focus on what connects us, to make people explore their perceptions. However, above all, I want my art to make people smile.”
Nill Smith
Nill Smith’s creativity is rooted in West African folklore, and also includes European influences. “Much of my work portrays both the struggle and strength of African women,” she explains. “I also like to include symbolism – some of it quite subtle – to add a depth of feeling to my paintings. People may not even realize that it’s there.”
Smith shares Nico’s enthusiasm about the Charlotte arts scene. “There’s always something going on. Always something to see. We have a thriving artistic community that is open and welcoming – and an eclectic mix of neighborhoods that have their own distinctive beat, combined with just a little bit of weirdness.”
She is noticing a changing perspective, too. “People are now appreciating the depth and creativity of independent art. Where, before, they would settle for a copy, now they visit an artist’s studio for a one-of-a-kind piece; something unique that speaks to them. That’s the Charlotte story.”
Rosa Murillo
Some art takes its inspiration from nature. Some art includes pieces of that nature. Rosa Murillo’s handcrafted, eco-friendly jewelry does both.
“My work is inspired by nature and the geometry found in the shapes of our landscape,” Rosa notes. “My pieces include sculpted sand from North Carolina beaches; others include reclaimed wood that mimics the Blue Ridge mountains.”
A long-term resident of the Charlotte area, Rosa loves the city’s creativity and diversity. “New opportunities seem to pop up every day,” she says. “I have been lucky to live in the city long enough to have witnessed, first-hand, its cultural growth – like the transformation of NoDa, the rise of our beautiful street art, the revitalization of the Camp North End site. It’s a great time to be a Charlottean.”
A Multitude of Murals
Contrary to popular belief, Charlotte does not have a mural walk. It has a mural marathon.
Decorating all of its neighborhoods, including Uptown (the locals’ name for the city center), you can easily fill a few days exploring street art that is emotional, controversial, evocative, or confounding.
There’s art around almost every corner, but if you’re exploring, be sure to include some of Charlotte’s newest murals, including tributes that reflect community challenges and hopes for the future.
Support for Local Artists
Underpinning the surge in the city’s creativity, various local organizations provide residencies, grants, publicity, business training, and community connections that give local artists the space, opportunity, and encouragement to fully explore their craft.
The Arts and Science Council, McColl Center, and Goodyear Arts have long been the city’s leading proponents for independent artists. In March 2022, they were joined by VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Center, which opened its 157,000 square foot facility across the street from the McColl Center.
Home to more than 130 artists, VAPA houses galleries, artist studios, theater, rehearsal spaces, and much more. Arthur Rogers, a local artist and the Executive Director of VAPA, is excited by the possibilities. “We are striving to cultivate accessible exhibition and creative workspaces to inspire and nurture the relationship between artists and the community,” he says.
A Cultural Destination
You can easily spend your whole time in Charlotte exploring its independent art scene; however, you would miss out on the diverse array of established entertainment options that make the Queen City one of the leading cultural destinations in the United States. Here are some of the highlights:
A Wealth of Museums
Charlotte boasts an exciting variety of museums and theaters – all within walking distance of each other. In the heart of Uptown, the Levine Center for the Arts is a major cultural hub. The Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture have something to appeal to every taste.
Performing Arts
Centered around Charlotte’s main thoroughfare, Tryon Street, the six Uptown venues host more than 1,000 annual events – from Broadway to ballet, concerts to comedy, and everything in between. The Charlotte Symphony season includes classical performances, rock interpretations, and more.
