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:
Area 49 can facilitate programming for technologies including, but not limited to:
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.
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.
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.
Muralist Valentin Ramirez discussed his process and style.
Check out Valentin's works around the city and at https://www.deadfolksclt.com/
Nico Amortegui discussed his inspirations in preparation for the afternoon workshop.
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.
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.
With a canvas with some rough sketches, Nico talked everyone through how to approach putting their ideas onto the canvas.
Nico helped everyone understand painting techniques with the various brushes.
Everyone got into groups and began talking about ideas.
Some great ideas ended up on the canvas.
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!
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'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 captured all his belonging waypoints in this great list. If you haven't used these campus resources, seek them out!
