The Light Factory's Revival

Photography and film museum moves to Plaza Midwood

When The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film closed last fall, Charlotte lost a point of artistic pride few cities can claim: one of only four museums in the country dedicated to photography and film. Then a devoted group of volunteers, unwilling to lose an institution founded 42 years ago, stepped up to save it. All 19 members of the new, all-volunteer board chipped in $1,000 apiece, says chairman Phil Moody. They paid a year’s rent on new digs in Plaza Midwood, which will include a darkroom, exhibition space, and classrooms. The museum began offering photography classes again in January, and board members are launching a Kickstarter campaign and membership drive. To donate or sign up for classes, visit lightfactory.org.