By: Loán C. Lake
For the past decade, Goodyear Arts has served as a sanctuary for emerging artists in Charlotte and beyond, whose creations were outside the scope of traditional artistry.
Founded by artists Amy Bagwell, Graham Carew and Amy Herman in 2015, Goodyear Arts is artist-centered and artist run. The program offers creators often viewed as alternative artists a space to be themselves without judgment. Known for utilizing underused commercial spaces for its bold and innovative artist residencies, Goodyear Arts was first housed at the former Goodyear tire and oil change center in Uptown (at the corner of Stonewall — now Brooklyn Village Avenue — and South Tryon Streets) and now lives at Camp North End.
“The center was originally created for fringe, underground artists who needed a space to create and display their art. Charlotte has always had some of the most profound artists, but at that time, there wasn’t a space for art that wasn’t polished or considered unrefined,” said community engagement manager and inaugural resident artist de’Angelo Dia. “That building allowed exploration unlike other spaces. Because it was going to be demolished, I could take a sledgehammer to the floor to create sound for a performance and be my most authentic self as an artist.”
Goodyear Arts hosts free and public performances, exhibitions and events that showcase works on 16-millimeter film, dance, music, poetry and experimental art forms. At least 50 percent of its resident artists identify as members of the BIPOC community, and its programs are presented in English and Spanish. That intentional diversity fuels the creative energy that has helped to make the organization a staple in the Charlotte art scene.
Its six-week residency programs feature three cohorts of three artists each from Charlotte and around the country. Goodyear Arts invites three guest curators annually. “[Six weeks] is not enough time to express a thought and convey it, so Goodyear Arts is meant to be a jumping off point — or the beginning — of our work,” said Renee Cloud, a language-based installation artist, who serves as the gallery manager. “Our artists are part-time, so there is no pressure to have a finished product at the end of the residency,” she said.
Cloud, a Charlotte native who holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Appalachian State University, joined Goodyear Arts in 2016 at its Seventh and College Street location. She started in 2016 and currently facilitates the process for all incoming artists, repairs the gallery for upcoming shows, and educates new artists on what Camp Northend facility can accommodate structurally. “I saw what the organization could potentially be and how helpful it was to emerging artists like me,” Cloud said.
What started as a short-term community to fill a need for artists has grown into a long-standing arts institution that hosted its 10th anniversary gala on March 14, 2025. “[In some ways] I’m surprised that we’ve been here 10 years because there was never a plan for the future,” Dia said. “Our approach has been to focus on being present in the day to day. As a result, we have not always stopped to celebrate our accomplishments. A project gets done, the community is served, and it’s on to the next. However, this year, we are taking time to reflect.”
Goodyear Arts hosts 10 shows per year and a number of performances. Some of its recurring programs include: “No Way out Open Mic” on the first Wednesday of each month, “Action Scenes, Avant Good Year: An Annual Experimental Performance and Film Series,” and “Doomsday and Night.”
Operated by its artists and volunteers, Goodyear Arts is fully funded by grants and the support of the community. “The artist-run elements are key to our success,” said Dia. “We are more like family, and all of us have a responsibility for the longevity of the program. Having it managed by the people whose studios are housed here has created a level of understanding of how we function in Charlotte’s art ecosystem.”
That cooperative element is what distinguishes Goodyear Arts from its counterparts. “Had it not been for the compassion of Amy Bagwell and her approach as a creative, I don’t know where my career would be. This is a sacred space for me.”
Cloud echoes his sentiments. “Goodyear has never been about the money. It was always the love of art that drove and sustained us. Exhibiting is important, but the process is just as important,” she said. “As a resident, I had to complete my art so it could be shared. Now, I have time to enjoy the process as well as the feeling of getting it on the wall.”
With an eye towards attracting more national performance artists this year, the future of Goodyear Arts is bright. Goodyear Arts is located at 301 Camp Road, next door to Free Range Brewing. Due to limited public hours, visitors should refer to the calendar page at goodyeararts.com for a list of upcoming programs and exhibitions.