Founder
JOANNE ROGERS
CHARLOTTE INTERNATIONAL ARTS EXCHANGE
CIAE (Charlotte International Arts Exchange)-Founder/CEO
2022-Present
Launched in October, 2022, this project aims to educate and empower artists by providing exposure to other cultures, a resource for new creative ideas & tools, a larger professional network and opportunities to use their art to create positive change in communities worldwide.
Our first Cohort is called ZAWADI (The Gift) and they are set to travel to Kenya in April of 2024. We will then host the Kenyan artists in Charlotte in July, 2024. During each visit the host artists will immerse the visiting artists in their culture and community.
The VAPA Center (Visual And Performing Arts) – Founder/Exec. Board Member/Curatorial Director
2021-Present
The Visual And Performing Arts(VAPA) Center was Founded in 2021 by 11 Founding Member Organizations. Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible workspace for local artists and nurture the relationship between the artists and their community.
The building is owned by the county and originally housed a Sears before becoming the Hal Marshall Community Resource Center. After going unused for a number of years, it was offered to an initial 26 art organizations in 2020. 11 of those invited to use the space worked together to form The VAPA Center. We gained ownership of the space in September of 2021 & officially opened our doors to the public in March of 2022
Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery (Formerly 9•18•9 Studio Gallery) – Gallery Owner/Curator/Art Consultant
2020- Present
Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery is a private venue located in Charlotte, NC. founded in 2020.
We aim to provide an accessible platform from which to nurture the relationship between the artist, collector and community. The venue provides mentorship, skills training, networking and representation for emerging artists, with a main focus on fine artists of color. We also offer a space to host cultural events and exhibits of historical and social significance.
The Palette Table – Founder/Executive Director
2016-Present
The Palette Table is a “roundtable” type group founded in2016. It’s mission is to provide information and increased opportunities for artists of color through mentoring, skills training, administrative support and networking. We also curate solo exhibits for each member to introduce them to the arts community.
9•18•9 Creative Services, LLC – Co-Owner
2011-Present
9•18•9 Creative Services is a business started by myself and my husband, Arthur Rogers, in 2019. We offer a large array of services geared towards supporting creatives. Some of these services include:
- Business Consulting, Branding, Graphic Design, Photography – (specifically event coverage & reference photos), Video, Event Planning, Curatorial services, and pretty much anything they need assistance with.
Project Goals
To create opportunities for Charlotte and International Artists to grow their professional networks and use their extraordinary creative talents to positively impact cities and communities throughout many parts of the world.
In Charlotte, this new cultural exchange project will seek to educate, enrich and inspire Charlotte’s artists, public and private schools, colleges and universities, arts organizations, neighborhoods, and local organizations.
Project Launch: Team Zawadi
Beginning April 2024, Charlotte artists will travel to Nairobi, Kenya, where they will be paired with Kenyan Artists and begin a 10-day visit to initiate this exciting cultural project.
During their stay in Africa, participating artists will:
In partnership with Kenyan art organization, DerryCole Investments:
- Check-in at The Boma Hotel with Kenyan Artists
- Be the guests of a Cross-Cultural Exchange Festival
- Launch a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG )Mural in Nairobi County
- Tour the Nairobi National Park
- Participate in a Charity program at a Children’s Home
- Visit a local primary school to engage with students on Pro Environmental Youth Engagement Toolkit in Africa and Plant a number of trees in the area.
- Learn about Kenyan and East African culture at the Nairobi National Museum
- Travel via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
- Host a Seminar at a local University
- Visit Haller Park and Fort Jesus Museum to understand Swahili culture and its origins.
- Participate in a charity/donation program at a Foundation/Children’s Home.
- Collaborate with Kenyan artists to create, exhibit, and sell original works.
- Attend a dinner awards ceremony & Exhibition opening at Michael Joseph Center.
Project Exchange
In July 2024, 10-15 Kenyan Artists will visit the United States and while in Charlotte they will be introduced to our culture by participating in the following activities:
- Attend a local reception for the artists at the VAPA Center
- Visit local public and private schools, colleges, and universities, where they will host panel discussions, presentations, and unique classes
- Conduct demonstration projects at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branches and the Government Center
- Host open studios and public programming at Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery for the general public
- Attend local events: sports, music, theaters, and museums
- Collaborate with Charlotte Artists to create new works of art
- Participate in exhibition projects at Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery, the Mint Museum, the Harvey Gantt Center, and Community Partner locations
- Invite the community to assist in creating a new mural alongside all of the artists
Project Future
Planning is currently underway for the second series of international Artist visits. Talks have been initiated for Germany to be the second county to host Charlotte Artists and for Charlotte to host our European visitors.