Charlotte, NC (December 10, 2024) – University City Partners, the nonprofit organization that aims to drive University City’s growth, today announced a new partnership with BOOM Charlotte to host the eighth annual art festival in University City. The three-day event will occur on April 25-27, 2025, around the University City lakefront. Guests can expect a weekend filled with immersive artistic experiences including dance, music, theater, poetry, visual art, film, and more. Learn more at boomcharlotte.org/boom-charlotte-2025/.
BOOM Charlotte is much more than an art festival; its mission is centered on exploring the power of creativity to build connection and community. The festival will offer two distinct experiences for guests: BOOM Fringe, featuring ticketed indoor experimental art, and BOOM Intersection, offering free, outdoor, family-friendly performances. Exact details on vendors, performers, and artists will be announced closer to the event. Artists of all kinds who are interested in participating in the festival are encouraged to apply online through the festival’s website.
“Partnerships and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re thrilled to join forces with University City Partners for the 8th Annual BOOM Festival,” said Manoj P. Kesavan, Founder and Executive Director of BOOM Charlotte. “Hosting this iconic event in University City not only allows us to engage with new audiences but also opens up exciting opportunities to further support and elevate Charlotte’s vibrant creative community.”
“Partnering with BOOM Charlotte was the easiest yes for our team, as supporting local arts and culture is a major pillar in UCP’s vision plan,” said Keith Stanely, CEO and President of University City Partners. “It’s incredible to see leaders like Kesavan recognize the value that University City brings, and we’re truly honored that BOOM Charlotte has chosen to trust us to host their event in our corner of Queen City.”
University City has seen a 42.2% increase in visitors since 2021, with 3.4 million guests visiting thus far in 2024. University City Partners hosts one or more signature events a quarter, and this year, the organization saw an increase in attendance across two milestone festivals. Kids Fest saw its highest attendee rate of 15,000, and its first Juneteenth celebration had 3,000 visitors. Other organizations interested in partnering with University City Partners for events can get more information by contacting Stanley at kstanley@universitycitypartners.org.
University City Partners (UCP) is a nonprofit organization that aims to drive University City into long-term economic vitality as a center for employment, living, education, commerce and entertainment through thoughtful strategies and actions. As a catalyst, facilitator and thought leader, UCP promotes public/private partnerships and invests resources in these four key areas: planning and development, economic development and marketing and communications. University City Partners currently supports the implementation of the development for a walkable, mixed-use downtown in the heart of University City anchored by UNC Charlotte and University Research Park as outlined in the UNC Charlotte Master Plan and J.W. Clay Station Area Master Plan. For more information, visit universitycitypartners.org.
BOOM Charlotte is a dynamic arts and culture organization dedicated to celebrating and showcasing the creativity, diversity, and innovation of the Charlotte community. Through its signature event, the BOOM Festival, and year-round programming, BOOM Charlotte fosters collaboration among artists, creators, and community leaders. By amplifying local talent and providing platforms for artistic expression, BOOM Charlotte helps shape the cultural landscape of the city, while engaging audiences of all ages and backgrounds. With a focus on accessibility and inclusion, BOOM Charlotte is committed to making the arts an integral part of Charlotte’s identity and future. For more information, visit www.boomcharlotte.org.
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