The VAPA Center (The Visual and Performing Arts Center), will receive $1.7 million in funding from Mecklenburg County to improve current building conditions. By improving the building, VAPA will be able to continue in its mission to provide affordable spaces for artist businesses and make various, diverse art experiences accessible for residents.
“The VAPA Center is more than just a building. It’s a community of artists and a commitment to value the work they produce and present. We are so thankful to Mecklenburg County for their generous support of VAPA and of the more than 350 creatives that call VAPA their home,” said Executive Director, Arthur Rogers, Jr.
Since opening in 2022, the VAPA Center has experienced remarkable growth – averaging nearly 7,000 visitors in January 2024, a more than 2000% year-over-year increase. The center’s booming growth highlights the Charlotte community’s appetite for diverse, engaging cultural experiences and led to a five-year lease extension from Mecklenburg County. With that growth comes the need to ensure both the longevity and safety of the building for residents which VAPA’s architect of record, Little Diversified, will oversee beginning July 2024. Funding from the county will enable critical upgrades for the building including: spray fireproofing, egress updates, exit signage, sprinkler modifications, a DOAS (Dedicated Outside Air Supply) system, and fire alarm system upgrades.
Located at 700 N Tryon Street, The VAPA center was originally home to Sears before becoming The Hal Marshall Center. In an agreement with Mecklenburg County, The VAPA Center was formed in 2021 following planned demolition of Spirit Square which left multiple artists without adequate workspace. Recognized as the northern end of Charlotte’s “Creative Mile”, VAPA is a non-profit organization providing an inclusive environment where artists can work and the public can interact with the creative process. VAPA has received multiple awards and is now home to over 350 artists. Go to vapacenter.com for more information about our organization.
