By Bernie Petit

Marcie Kelso stands out in Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s creative scene through both her professional and volunteer work.

Her nine-to-five is as a partner at Kelso Communications, an award-winning, full-service marketing, advertising and public relations agency based in Charlotte. Before that, she launched the film division of the Charlotte Regional Partnership and served as executive director of The Light Factory for 10 years.

Her extensive marketing, economic development and arts management background made her an ideal fit to serve in a volunteer role on ASC’s Board of Directors, which she joined in 2022.

“I decided to join the ASC board after seeing its work to address historic racial and cultural inequities in Charlotte’s art funding,” Kelso said. “I admire the difficult changes the organization adopted and wanted to play my part in ensuring that ASC thrived.”

As an ASC board member, Kelso advocates for the importance of supporting artists and creatives at all stages of their careers. Under the direction of the board and through the work and dedication of staff, ASC invested more than $3 million in the individual artist community over the past two fiscal years.

“I have loved getting an upfront seat to the appreciation shown by artists and individuals in Charlotte-Mecklenburg for the joy of making and consuming art that ASC makes possible,” she said.  

Kelso loves art of all kinds, but film has always topped her list. (“The Charlotte film community is committed and passionate as evidenced by the creation and success of the Independent Picture House,” she said.)

When she and her husband, Marty, aren’t at a movie, you can find them at The Mint Museum, Goodyear Arts or at a ballet or theatre performance.

“I admire Charlotte’s independent theatre scene,” she said. “The members of the theatre are like the film community in their ability to make great shows happen with limited resources.

Her understanding of everything that is needed for Charlotte-Mecklenburg to have a thriving, vibrant creative ecosystem is why she believes the work of ASC is vital.

“ASC’s granting and efforts that address individual artists, community building and our towns cannot be replicated,” she said. “I am excited that I see many who recognize the critical role played in our community by ASC and am excited to help ASC play its critical role in arts in our community.”