The Charlotte Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We are supported by individual donors, grants, sponsorships, and revenue from our programs. We are as strong as the community that supports us. Our programming begins early 2021. Join us as a founding member and sponsor.
What’s the Big Idea? is an open invitation to the public to tap their civic imagination and engage with ideas that hold potential to make Charlotte greater and more beautiful.
The Big Ideas Contest is inspired by the Athenian Oath in which citizens pledged, ”We will fight for the ideals and Sacred Things of the City both alone and with many….We will strive increasingly to quicken the public’s sense of civic duty. Thus in all these ways we will transmit this City, not only not less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.”
On April 6, 2024, acclaimed artist Quentin Talley, hosted our Big Idea Fair. Six finalists presented their ideas to an audience in the round at the Historic Grace AME Zion Church. The winner will receive a cash prize and our 2024 Athena Owl Award!
our 2024 Big Idea Finalists!
“AN IDEA IS SALVATION BY IMAGINATION.”
–Frank lloyd wright
don’t miss out!
The Charlotte Ideas Festival is a 6-day festival that celebrates community and conversation through the lens of the humanities and civic imagination. Stay in the know by signing up for our newsletter.