Charlotte non-profit closing digital divide by offering creative workspace for underserved groups

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A new creative space in west Charlotte is offering people access to technology and art.

It’s run by a non-profit group called Power Up USA in partnership with the city to offer grants and free programs in underserved communities.

“There aren’t many places like this, so to have almost like a sanctuary for people, creatives and young people to have leaders to look up to and people that they can build with and grow with is important,” said Christopher Cuevas, a filmmaker.

It took Cuevas about two months to create his first official short film titled “The Late Line.”

“The biggest thing was seeing my film on the big screen,” he said. “It was beautiful.”

He was able to make his dream come true with the help of a micro-grant from Power Up USA.

“When I look at underserved communities, I think one of the greatest negatives is the lack of exposure,” said Tommy Nichols, the organization’s president.

Nichols is the brains behind the Charlotte Creative Workspace. It’s complete with a computer lab, podcast and recording studio, an e-sports lab and more.

“Share your voice,” said Nichols. “How can you share your voice. We’re here to help you do that.”

He’s able to offer various programs and grants thanks to Charlotte City Councilmembers who recently budgeted 0,000 for the non-profit.

“It exposes young people, even adults to the technologies, to creative things they’ve never been exposed to, and then we can birth the gifts that have been lying dormant inside of them,” said Nichols.

Seeing those talents come to life in people like Cuevas proves Nichols’ mission is working.

“It really opened up a lot of doors for me right now because people are recognizing me as an official filmmaker,” said Cuevas. “God willing, I’ll be able to keep making films in the future and be a full-time filmmaker. That’s the ultimate goal.”