Charlotte Center for the Arts Hosts First Youth Arts Festival in Charlotte

Thank You for Making Our First Youth Arts Festival Unforgettable!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first-ever Youth Arts Festival at Stumptown Park! What began as a vision to bring young artists, families, educators, and arts organizations together became a welcoming, high‑energy afternoon centered on creativity and community.

By the numbers, the day looked like this:

• 400+ attendees, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds

• Families with children largely preschool through middle school, engaged throughout the afternoon

• 120+ youth artists participating across visual and performing arts

• 10 youth performance groups, including music, theatre, dance, culture, and aerial arts

• A Youth Art Gallery featuring 12 selected visual artists

• 5 juried awards recognizing creativity, storytelling, emotional impact, originality, and community connection

• 8 creative vendors and 3 food trucks

• 42 raffle entries

• Families traveling from across the region, including Salisbury, China Grove, and as far as 120 miles away

Throughout the afternoon, Stumptown Park was busy with performances, art‑making, and conversation. Families gathered on the lawn to watch performances, kids moved easily between stages and activity areas, and many attendees stayed for multiple sets. The ongoing aerial performances and open mic sessions at the end of the afternoon were particular highlights, drawing steady interest and participation.

The Youth Art Gallery gave attendees the chance to engage directly with the work of young visual artists. We were proud to recognize the following award recipients:

• Color Wizard Award – Most creative use of color: Zoe K.

• Big Idea Award – Most original concept/theme: Rosarae D.

• Heart and Soul Award – Most emotionally resonating piece of art: Maria A.

• Storyteller Award – Best narrative told through art: Kaitlyn K.

• Community Award – Piece that best represents the local community: Rosarae D.

Each vendor offered a hands‑on activity, keeping kids actively involved throughout the festival. These interactive stations, combined with the open space with hula hoops, giant building blocks, and a bubble machine, helped create an environment where children were encouraged to create, explore, and try something new.

We were especially encouraged by the level of support shown by families, educators, and community members. Attendees stayed to watch full performances, asked thoughtful questions about the artwork, and consistently encouraged young artists to share their work with confidence. Across organizations and disciplines, there was a clear sense of young artists supporting one another. “We are beyond thrilled to have hosted our first public event offering opportunities for the next generation of artists to share their work with the local community,” said Mitchell Dudas, President of the Board.

This inaugural festival reflected exactly what Charlotte Center for the Arts is working toward: building accessible, inclusive spaces where young artists are supported and celebrated, and where community connections form naturally through shared creative experiences. Nearly every family we spoke with asked how to learn more, get involved, or support future programming.

We are deeply grateful to our board of directors, dedicated volunteers, and others who stepped in wherever needed, as well as our youth artists, partner organizations, vendors, food trucks, and generous sponsors—including Billow Media—who made this event possible.

What’s Next — and How You Can Be Part of It

The success of this first Youth Arts Festival confirmed the strong interest in youth‑centered, community‑based arts programming. We’re already planning next year’s Youth Arts Festival and continuing to build opportunities for young artists to learn, connect, and share their work.

You can help us keep this momentum going:

• Join our mailing list to stay informed about upcoming programs and events

• Make a donation to support accessible arts opportunities for youth

• Volunteer with Charlotte Center for the Arts to make more events and opportunities available to our community

• Partner with us and help expand our reach to more families