Throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg, residents are seeing their community spaces transformed into hubs for cultural activity through ASC’s Culture Blocks program.
Since its launch in 2015, Culture Blocks has brought hundreds of cultural experiences to residents in their neighborhoods. Starting in May, three arts organizations will partner to bring the “Culture Blocks Tour” to libraries and apartment complexes in communities across Charlotte.
Each Culture Blocks Tour stop will focus on one of three themes: Identity, Nature or Community Stories – Connected Future. The first stop in a new location will focus on Identity, the second stop in the same location will focus on Nature and the third stop in that location will be Community Stories – Connected Future. The programs are for all ages; see the “When & Where” section below to find out what programs are coming to your neighborhood and when.
Red Calaca Mobile Studio
Charlotte artist Rosalia Torres-Weiner brings arts education and community engagement programming in the form of artist-led activity workshops to residents.
• Identity: Students will create physical representations of how they see themselves, who they see themselves as and what makes “you, YOU”.
• Nature: Participants will hear stories from Rosalia to connect them with her Mexican heritage.
• Community Stories – Connected Future: Participants will build a story about their pet superhero.
Brighter Days Arts Education
This arts-focused organization works to bridge cultural gaps and provide opportunities for growth and character development through creative expression.
• Identity: Participants will discuss how different cultures connect with nature in various ways and they will be challenged to create a mask that represents their spirit animal.
• Nature: Participants will observe the natural world around them with magnifying glasses and be challenged to draw what they see to create a scientific/illustration study.
• Community Stories – Connected Future: After selecting one word, participants will paint their word on paper. Once all of the words are painted they will be compiled into a community piece of art.
Discovery Place
Charlotte’s innovative science museum engages people in the active exploration of science, technology, and nature.
• Identity: Participants will engage in genetic experiments and activities to discover why our physical identity can change but our genetics remain the same.
• Nature: Participants will explore and taste a variety of plant and insect-based foods to discover/discuss how various cultures intersect with nature.
• Community Stories – Connected Future: Participants will work with wood and random materials to create a masterpiece of their word.
When & Where:
Beatties Ford Library Culture Blocks Tour: Programs provided by Discovery Place and Brighter Days Arts Education.
• 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Beatties Ford Road Regional Library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road
Sugar Creek Library Culture Blocks Tour: Programs provided by Discovery Place, Red Calaca Studio, and Brighter Days Arts Education.
• 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., May 10, Sugar Creek Library, 4045 N Tryon St.
Hickory Grove Library Culture Blocks Tour: Programs provided by Discovery Place and Brighter Days Arts Education.
• 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., May 15, June 19, Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road
West Boulevard Library Culture Blocks Tour: Programs provided by Discovery Place, Red Calaca Studio, and Brighter Days Arts Education.
• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., May 1, June 5, West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd.
Arborgate Culture Blocks Tour: Programs provided by Discovery Place and Red Calaca Studio.
• 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., April 21, Sept. 15, Arborgate Apartments, 9056 Arborgate Drive
Lake Mist Culture Blocks Tour: Programs provided by Discovery Place and Red Calaca Studio.
• 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., May 19, Aug. 18, Nov. 17, Lake Mist Apartments, 1120-A Lake Mist Drive
Ashford Place Culture Blocks Tour: Programs provided by Discovery Place and Red Calaca Studio.
• 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., July 2, Sept. 3, Nov. 5, Ashford Place Apartments, 905 Pineville Point Ave.
Learn more about Culture Blocks and how you can get involved.
See the full slate of free Culture Blocks events.
