February 2026

6 One of the key drivers of this growth is accessibil- ity to creative tools. High- quality cameras, editing software, and production equipment are increasingly affordable, allowing artists to produce professional- grade work without leav- ing the city. This democ- ratization of technology enables filmmakers, mu - sicians, and visual artists to reach audiences nation- ally while remaining local. The city’s infrastructure also supports this growth. Co-working spaces, shared studios, rehearsal facilities, and affordable performance venues give creators the CHARLOTTE’S CREATIVE ECONOMY IS THRIVING Charlotte, North Carolina, is widely known as a bank- ing and finance hub, but beneath its corporate identity lies a thriving creative economy. Musicians, artists, film - makers, designers, and digital entrepreneurs are reshap- ing the Queen City into a dynamic cultural landscape that rivals other major creative hubs in the Southeast.