4 Ways to Support Charlotte Arts & Museums Right Now
From virtual experiences to donations and memberships, there are many ways to support Charlotte arts and culture right now
In Partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners
While some Charlotte arts and cultural organizations closed for a time to slow the spread of Covid-19, many are open for business today.
The Mint Museum Uptown, The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture, and The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, among others, now welcome visitors on a limited basis, with newly adopted protocols like timed entry and face mask requirements.
But if you aren’t comfortable visiting in-person, here are a few ways you can support local arts and culture now.
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How to Support Charlotte Arts During COVID-19
1. Experience a Virtual Event
Just because we can’t meet together at the theater doesn’t mean the show doesn’t go on.
Many Charlotte arts groups are offering virtual events, like ATC’s Neighborhood, a fun spinoff of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” streamed virtually by the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte.
Museums are offering virtual events, too. Log on to the Levine Museum of the New South site and enjoy diverse virtual experiences, from lunch-and-learns with the staff historian and virtual tours to author spotlights and storytime for kids. The Harvey B. Gantt Center is also hosting a variety of virtual experiences and community talks.
Click here to see a full calendar of events in Uptown, including virtual.
2. Donate or Become a Member
Most nonprofits have two revenue streams: earned and contributed. Organizations earn operating revenue through ticket sales or admissions and also contributions from businesses and people like you.
In today’s tough economic climate, many of those streams have partly—if not totally—dried up.
Looking to spend some stimulus money helping Charlotte’s cultural scene? Consider donating to a performing arts organization, like the Charlotte Symphony or Charlotte Ballet, or a museum whose mission you value. There’s never been a better time to donate.
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3. Shop for Unique Gifts
If comfortable, shop for yourself or loved ones at one of many area museum gift shops. At The Mint Museum Uptown, peruse pottery, jewelry, books, toys, and accessories—all with the art lover in mind. The Bechtler, The Gantt Center, and Discovery Place all offer gift shops.
Looking for a locally-made gift? No problem. The Mint also stocks shelves with the work of local artisans (shop online here!).
4. Invest in QC Cash
Support Uptown from the comfort of your living room when you purchase QC Cash, a digital gift card that can be used at any participating merchant located Uptown, with some offering special discounts when you pay with QC Cash.
QC Cash is not only redeemable at boutique shops, salons, and restaurants and quick-bite stops, like Rhino Market and Deli, but also at many arts centers and museums, including the McColl Center for Art + Innovation and Discovery Place.
Purchase QC Cash today and help support your favorite Uptown spots.