The Next Steps for the Arts+ Community Campus

Less than two and a half years ago, Arts+ was selected to redevelop the Plaza Presbyterian Church site by the Presbytery of Charlotte. In that time, as we entered a capital campaign, we simultaneously opened the Arts+ Community Campus for programming. And we are so grateful to everyone who has joined us at the campus so far—for an adult group class, a child’s private music lesson, a free festival, a professional development workshop for teachers, a summer camp, and so much more.

Now, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have reached 87.5% of our $16M capital campaign goal, with $14.2M committed to date. The response from individuals, foundations, and community partners has been tremendously encouraging and affirms the important role accessible arts education plays in strengthening our city.

The Arts+ Community Campus will remain open for programming through this summer, and we hope you’ll join us to experience the joys of an arts education. You can register for an adult group class or workshop like Special Topics in Drawing: Mixed Media or IDK Vocals: 80’s Hits, bring your crew to a family-friendly youth program such as Sing Play Move: ABC Jamboree or Neuro Music and Art Labs, or drop your kids off at one of our many summer camps.

At the end of the summer, the campus will close for construction to convert the sanctuary into a 250-seat performance space for the Charlotte community, build a gallery that connects the campus’s buildings and makes them accessible, and upfit existing infrastructure. During construction, Arts+ will continue to deliver programming at the Arts+ Uptown Studios, at community partners in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, and at additional locations throughout the Charlotte area.

At its core, the Arts+ Community Campus project is about creating opportunities: ensuring that young people across Charlotte have access to outstanding arts education, creative exploration, mentorship, and community regardless of background or financial circumstance.

We are deeply grateful for your support and the encouragement we have received throughout this campaign. We look forward to sharing additional updates as construction begins.

Thank you again for your belief in Arts+ and in the power of arts education to transform lives and build community. If you are interested in learning more and supporting the Arts+ Community Campus, please contact Associate Executive Director Stephanie Stenglein by replying to this email or reaching out to sstenglein@artsplus.org.