Charlotte Ideas Festival — speakers, art events and panel discussions

Drums4Life & Guerilla Poets

Drums4Life & Guerilla Poets — A Gathering of Rhythm & Poetry
Saturday, April 1st, 2023
12 to 2 p.m.
The Green
Free (please register at the above link)

What’s better than the sound of drums and spoken word poetry together? Come dance to the beat of your own drum and feed your soul. Mix, mingle and move with people on the Green and with two great artistic organizations devoted to a more humane world!

Flourish! In the Pianodrome

Flourish! In the Pianodrome
Saturday, April 1st, 2023
5 to 6:30 p.m.
The Grace
219, S Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC
$20 (purchase tickets at the above link)

Come to Flourish! In The Pianodrome, a one-night-only performing arts experience inside the nation’s first Pianodrome, right here in Charlotte. Find inspiration in the reading of a new short play by Fola Onifade that weaves a fantastical tale, further enlivened by dance, spoken word, singing, strings and pianos. An artful alchemy to send your imagination soaring!

Here’s what you’ll experience:

• A pre-event catered reception
• A special kick-off preview to Charlotte SHOUT!,
• Baratunde’s inspiring presentation on “How to Citizen”
• Q&A, connection & conversation
• Post-event mixing & mingling at the Mint Museum Uptown

Here’s what you’ll experience:

• A pre-event catered reception
• Artistic performances
• Ingrid’s enlightening & engaging presentation on “The Aesthetics of Joy”
• Q&A, connection & conversation
• Post-event mixing & mingling at The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Art + Culture

Don’t miss out! Here’s what you’ll experience:

• A pre-event catered reception
• Thoughts from a poet
• Professor Vallor’s gripping lecture & visual presentation on the “The AI Mirror”
• Panel feedback
• Q&A, connection & conversation
• Post-event mixing & mingling at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City

A Discussion Through the Lens of Literature
Monday, April 3rd, 2023
6 to 7:15 p.m.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Free

Should classic texts be rewritten for modern audiences? Is it censorship when words in books like ‘Huckleberry Finn’ or ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ are changed or removed in new editions? How do we balance the author’s intent with concerns about diversity and inclusion? Who decides? Be a part of this timely conversation with our panelists!

A Discussion Through the Lens of Religion
Monday, April 3rd, 2023
7:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Free

What is the role of interfaith dialogue in civic life? Are values of compassion, understanding, and justice more important than doctrinal differences? How do we balance pluralism with belief? What are the pressing issues of interfaith dialogue and the role of religion in civic life today? Be a part of this timely conversation with our panelists!

A Discussion Through the Lens of Architecture
Tuesday, April 4th, 2023
6 to 7:15 p.m.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Free

What is the future of architecture in Charlotte? Is there a style of building that defines Charlotte? Why do so many of our buildings seem alike? Will our apartment buildings even be standing twenty years from now? What role can clients, architects, and planners play in making Charlotte more distinct? What’s a big idea of design for our city? Be a part of this timely conversation with our panelists!

A Discussion Through the Lens of History
Tuesday, April 4th, 2023
7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Free

What history should be taught in our schools today? How do we balance a more optimistic and idealistic view of the American experiment with a more sobering examination of America’s past? Is the teaching of American history sanitized or becoming defined by the worst of our past? Are current trends in the teaching of American history leading to disillusionment and a decline in citizen engagement? What is the narrative behind the events we choose to teach? Be a part of this timely conversation with our panelists!