CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 8, 2023) – The Arts & Science Council (ASC) and Lowe’s are excited to announce a new partnership to support professional artists by equipping them with the skills necessary to become competitive candidates for regional public art projects managed by ASC.

Going Public: A Public Art Incubator aims to help build a skilled public artist pipeline and develop business acumen for selected participants who are foundational elements of this new cohort program.

“‘Going Public’ is a perfect extension of ASC’s work to help local creatives develop sustainable creative practices here in the Charlotte region,” said ASC President Krista Terrell. “ASC is grateful for the support of Lowe’s to help equip local, professional artists with the skills necessary to become competitive candidates for regional and national public art projects.”

Public art is an incredible source of revenue and professional development for artists working across various concepts, media, and scales. Making the transition from a studio or gallery-based visual arts practice to the competitive field of public art can be challenging. This series of workshops will help artists better understand the process behind public art from applying to commissions, working with stakeholders and communities, and making their vision a reality. ASC’s goal is to better equip artists for opportunities and challenges they may face while working in public space. 

“Lowe’s supports the communities it serves to make homes and hometowns better for all,” said Randy Alexander, Lowe’s Community Relations Director. “This extends throughout our hometown of Charlotte, including support of local artists who make neighborhoods and communities vibrant places to live and work.” 

To celebrate this new partnership, Lowe’s will host a special launch event to unveil “Double Take,” an exciting new sculpture by local artist Hillary Siber Edwards that adorns the exterior of the new Lowe’s Tech Hub in South End. “Double Take” celebrates Lowe’s use of innovative materials and contemporary design by alluding to the intersection of technology, materials and home. Gökotta and ArtPop Street Gallery were hired by Lowe’s to select a local artist to curate this large-scale public art installation.

It is precisely this collaboration that inspired Lowe’s to connect with the Arts & Science Council to create the “Going Public” Incubator Program. ASC and Lowe’s envision local creatives working with both public and private partners to build beautiful works of art that everyone can enjoy, all while earning a living wage.

About ASC

ASC is the chief advocate, resource hub and steward for the Charlotte- Mecklenburg region’s cultural community. Its core functions include advocacy, cultural education programs, cultural planning, fundraising, grant making, public art and workshops and trainings for the cultural community. ASC works to ensure Culture For All by combining resources from local and state government with those of the private sector to maximize community impact throughout the cultural sector.

ASC’s mission is investing in people, programs and ideas that move us to a more equitable, sustainable and innovative creative ecosystem.​

Stay up to date on ASC news and happenings at ArtsAndScience.org and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Lowe’s

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 17 million customer transactions a week in the U.S. With total fiscal year 2022 sales of over $97 billion, approximately $92 billion of sales were generated in the U.S., where Lowe’s operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

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