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Area 49

This guide provides information on how to use technology within Area 49, as well as guides for digital technologies and physical projects. Area 49 is available for use by all current students, faculty, and staff.

Area 49 Programming Series: Call for Program Leaders

Do you want to lead a workshop, event, lecture, or other program to help others understand more about how we can more intentionally connect with creativity, innovation, and emerging technologies? Area 49 can help you facilitate it!

In order to expand the notion of what it means to engage with technology and making in ways that are relevant to today’s users, Area 49, Atkins Library’s collection of innovation spaces, is calling for anyone interested in hosting programming focused on these topics in Area 49.

We can work with you to figure out how your idea will work best within these spaces, and even if your idea is not fully formed, we welcome the chance to work with you to develop it.

Potential focal points could include:

  • Making
  • Data visualization
  • Visual design
  • Audio design
  • Gaming
  • Combinations of technology, making, creativity, and other concepts

Area 49 can facilitate programming for technologies including, but not limited to:

  • Low-tech making (crafting, DIY, sewing, and more)
  • High-tech making (3D printing, laser cutting, and more)
  • Video creation (one-button studio, green screen technology, filming, editing)
  • Gaming (console, PC, and VR gaming; limited AR tech; game design)
  • Multimedia creating and editing (including 3D modeling)
  • Data visualization

Programs can be led by anyone in the university or community, including student groups, staff, faculty, researchers, and community members or groups.

For more information on Area 49 spaces and services, visit area49.charlotte.edu.

Please fill out the form with your idea, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Programs

Coming soon!

Look for upcoming programs on this page, as well as in these locations:

We'll also list past programs below once they've occurred.

Strategic Plan Support

This programming series supports multiple goals and objectives of Atkins Library’s Strategic Plan.

  • Goal 1: Champion holistic student success

    • Objective 1.1: Provide transformative instruction, co-curricular experiences, and services that are unique, comprehensive, and intellectually rigorous (the Charlotte Model) to support student attainment of UNC Charlotte's core competencies: critical thinking, communication, quantitative reasoning, data analysis and intercultural understanding.

  • Goal 3: Increase Library visibility, reputation, and strengths.

    • Objective 3.1: Create and maintain partnerships that transform students’ lives and the community.

Past Event: Latinx Muralismo in Charlotte: A Conversation with Nico Amortegui & Valentin Ramirez

Valentin Ramirez

Valentin Ramirez (1)

Muralist Valentin Ramirez discussed his process and style.

Valentin Ramirez

Valentin Ramirez (2)

Check out Valentin's works around the city and at https://www.deadfolksclt.com/

Nico Amoretegui

Nico Amortegui

Nico Amortegui discussed his inspirations in preparation for the afternoon workshop.

Being a Latinx Artist in Charlotte: A conversation with Nico Amortegui and Valentin Ramirez

Past Event Information (Scroll through the gallery for photos!)

This was part one of a two-part event. On October 4, 2023, the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, J. Murrey Atkins Library, Latin American Studies and Area 49 hosted a panel in Area 49's Visualization Lab with NC-based Latinx artists Nico Amortegui and Valentín Ramirez. The conversation explored the Latinx muralismo scene in Charlotte and addressed the experience of being a Latinx artist in Charlotte.

This event was part of the Area 49 Programming Series and was sponsored by the Department of Language and Culture Studies, Latinx/Hispanic Faculty and Staff Caucus, and Atkins Library.

Move through the gallery to check out more photos from the event.

Past Event: Muralismo Taller / Mural Workshop with Nico Amortegui

Muralismo Taller Mural Workshop Advertisement

Past Mural Workshop Information (Scroll through the gallery for photos!)

This was part two of a two-part event. On October 4, 2023, the Department of Languages and Culture Studies, J. Murrey Atkins Library, Latin American Studies and Area 49 a workshop in the Area 49 Makerspace with NC-based, Colombian-born artist Nico Amortegui, who guided participants through a hands-on, mini-mural workshop.

Nico is known for large-scale paintings and installations, which can be found locally throughout NC as well as internationally in places like Atlanta, DC, and Tel Aviv. His works are vibrant and expressive.

This event was part of the Area 49 Programming Series and was sponsored by the Department of Language and Culture Studies, Latinx/Hispanic Faculty and Staff Caucus, and Atkins Library.

Move through the gallery to check out more photos from the event.

Nico and a blank canvas

Beginning the workshop

With a canvas with some rough sketches, Nico talked everyone through how to approach putting their ideas onto the canvas.

Nico and paint brushes

Paint Brushes

Nico helped everyone understand painting techniques with the various brushes.

canvas with students around it

Getting Ready!

Everyone got into groups and began talking about ideas.

students painting on canvas

Painting!

Some great ideas ended up on the canvas.

students painting on canvas

More painting!

It's not finished just yet, but even so, it's an amazing work of art. Come back here to see more photos once it's finished!

Past Event: Where Do I Belong? Making Space for Your Story

Past Event Information (Scroll through the gallery for photos!)

On October 16, 2023, Area 49 and the Dept of Language & Culture Studies sponsored an afternoon of conversation, creation, and community building. Alum Raymone Byrd presented a talk, “Unafraid of Uncertainty," after which participants were invited to use Area 49 to create their own stories using resources like the EZ Video Studio and the Makerspace.

Campus partners were also in attendance so students could learn about resources and ways to connect and be supported at UNC Charlotte. These partners included: Office of Adult Student and Extended Services (OASES), University Career Center, Transfer Center, Historias de Vida Oral History Project, University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE), Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). 

Move through the gallery to check out more photos from the event.

RJ standing in front of the screen (intro)

RJ's Introduction

RJ's introduction to his past, present, and future. Note the green yarn for the upcoming activity. If anyone has pictures of that great connection activity, please let us know at atkinsarea49@charlotte.edu. We were so engaged in it that we forgot to take pictures!

RJ talking about his belonging way points

RJ's Belonging Way Points

RJ captured all his belonging waypoints in this great list. If you haven't used these campus resources, seek them out!