“Our local artists and arts organizations play an important role in telling our shared stories and adding to the city’s vibrancy.”

That was Charles Thomas, Charlotte program director for Knight Foundation, explaining why Charlotte creatives are an essential part of creating a more inclusive, engaged city.

On Saturday, the Knight Foundation announced Celebrate Charlotte Arts, a $200,000 initiative to "showcase the talent and creativity of Charlotte’s arts community.” Winners will receive up to $25,000 each in support of their project. They'll be announced in late summer and showcased at next year’s Boom festival.

Read the story.
 

Entrepreneur Desmond Wiggan is charging toward the future with BatteryXchange. On a night out while completing his MBA in China, Desmond Wiggan had a nearly dead battery and was looking for a way to recharge. Sound familiar? That experience led to the creation of BatteryXchange, a kiosk and platform that allows cellphone users to rent portable batteries. The idea netted him $10,000 during City Startup Labs’ annual pitch competition. Read the story.

Black health spotlight: My grandma’s Alzheimer’s disease shaped me into a warrior for the cause. Every 65 seconds, a person in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s disease. It also affects caregivers, physically and financially. African Americans bear 33% of the national costs of this disease. By 2025, those costs are expected to double. Social worker and dementia advocate Ashley Stevens was drawn to providing support for caregivers after watching her family care for her grandmother, who suffered from the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Read Ashley's story.

Teachers again set sights on Legislature, more funding. More than 30 NC school districts have canceled classes on Wednesday as thousands of teachers and supporter prepare to gather in Raleigh. This year's march continues to advocate for issues like higher salaries, more support staff and better retirement benefits. Read the story. (WFAE)
 

Vice President of External Affairs, Charlotte Symphony. Apply
 

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