ABOUT US

2008, the 34th year of the Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC) will be an important one for the institution.  It offers new challenges for the AACC family. 

As with most challenges, there are great rewards.  From basic infrastructure, to development and program re-organization, we have our work cut out for us.  It also means “beating the bushes” – meeting people in the community, and learning about the community that we serve.

One of our major objectives was to upgrade our website and information structure.  We hope that you will visit our site often to, of course, find out what is happening at the Center, but also to be informed about matters as they relate to our mission and vision.

In closing, the Afro-American Cultural Center is moving into a stronger position as a key player in the cultural life of the city of Charlotte, the Metrolina region and the state.  Your support and involvement in what we do is needed and encouraged.  Please send us your feedback about our programs and activities.  If you plan to visit Charlotte, or just haven’t been able to come to the Center, we hope you will visit one day soon.

NEW HOME OF THE AACC

Click on an image below for a larger view

The Afro-American Cultural Center (AACC) of Charlotte is a distinguished, 33-year old institution that preserves, promotes, and presents African-American art, history and culture through comprehensive programs and presentations in the visual arts, performing arts, and through innovative educational programs. A new 44,000-square-foot headquarters on Stonewall Street between South Tryon and College Streets is being designed as a four story facility in the historic Brooklyn neighborhood – the center of Charlotte’s black community dating from the late 1800’s until it was razed for urban renewal in the 1960s. This facility will be a key component in Phase One of Charlotte’s Cultural Arts Facilities Master Plan.

The museum takes design inspiration from the Meyers school which was located in the heart of the Brooklyn neighborhood. The numerous fire escapes that flanked the Meyers school gave the school the nickname the Jacob’s ladder School. Jacob’s ladder became the guiding idea for the design of the museum. Jacob’s ladder provides a tie to both the local context and a broader link to African American culture. The metaphor centers on the notion of hope and enlightenment in the face of insurmountable obstacles.

Vertical stitching identifies edges of quilt panels and defines the geometry on the front façade. This vertical and horizontal stitching pattern is carried around to the rear of the building. Paintings by the Mbuti people serve as inspiration for the concrete patterning on the North elevation.

The AACC will include: 

• Three exhibit areas of which 50% of the space will be set aside for rotating exhibits from the permanent collections requirements for exhibiting artifacts from the Smithsonian and other world renowned collections.

• Multi-purpose room/Theater for lectures, small plays, spoken word, film, intimate musical events or corporate meetings.

• Roof top terrace for receptions, meetings and community gatherings

• Classrooms for educational programs

• Atrium/Reception/Event Space for receptions and large gatherings

• Museum Store

Architect: The Freelon Group in association with Neighboring Concepts