Arts/Culture

The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County boast a vast array of arts and cultural opportunities.  Area residents and visitors are treated to a cornucopia of plays, musical performances, fine arts and performing arts.  These offerings generate economic development for the area but more importantly serve to promote a high quality of life throughout the region that is attractive to not only keeping residents but attracting visitors, new residents and business interests.

Theater and musicals are regularly found at the theaters of the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, including: Opera at the Belk Theater, art exhibits and music at Spirit Square and theater, plays and concerts at Ovens Auditorium.  

The Charlotte Symphony offers a variety of musical styles with performances throughout the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.  In addition, musical offerings can be found throughout the three towns through work of area parks and recreation departments and performances coordinated through area arts groups.

The Mint Museums of Art and Craft + Design offers rotating schedules of local and international exhibitions, offering images, stories and artifacts from the past.

Discovery Place in downtown Charlotte offers a variety of fun educational and learning activities for children, school trips and families.  They also feature exhibitions of historical artifacts and interactive games for kids.  Those of all ages also find enjoyment viewing the movies in their IMAX Dome.

Festivals are also a regular feature of the area.  Every September, Charlotte Shout spends the whole month celebrating arts, culture, entertainment and culinary opportunities for residents and visitors alike with performances throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County

The Arts and Sciences Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg (ASC) serves as the primary source of information for advancing arts, science and history in the area.  In doing so, they assist in locating grant opportunities for area groups, promote area arts with their cultural events calendar and encourage citizen involvement.  According to ASC, in FY2003 Charlotte was second only to New York City in revenue from local arts agencies at $16.5 million.  Additional information about ASC’s affiliates, associates and partners can be found by area of interest here.  ASC has developed a regional office for the three north Mecklenburg Towns of Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, ASC North, which has begun implementing a cultural action plan and seeking funding for projects and events in the area.

The Charlotte Chamber also provides an excellent link to additional arts and cultural entertainment in the area.