In spring 2021, a group of diverse artists came together to work with Mecklenburg County to transform an underutilized county building into the Visual and Performing Arts Center. Located on N. Tryon Street, the VAPA Center is a mecca for arts and live entertainment in the heart of downtown Charlotte featuring 5 galleries, 2-3 theaters, rehearsal space, practice space, and art studios for individual artists.
VAPA’s mission is to cultivate accessible exhibition and creative workspaces to inspire and to nurture the relationship between artists and the community.
Arthur Rogers
Executive Director
US Army Veteran and graduate of East Carolina University School of Art, Arthur Rogers has more than 25 years of experience as a Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Web Designer, Multimedia Specialist – [Photography, Videography, Editing and Motion Graphics], Social Media Content Strategists, Brand Manager, Print Specialist and Project Manager, plus 20 Years as a Post Secondary Education Instructor and Administrator.
Currently, Arthur is serving on the board of the Charlotte International Arts Exchange, Co-Owner of 9189 Creative Services, LLC, and owner of Art Gear USA Apparel.
Derek dantinne
Operational support Manager
Originally from the D.C. area, Derek has called the Charlotte Metro area home for eighteen-plus years. Derek has attended Savannah College of Design (SCAD) and has over twenty years of experience in construction, renovation, maintenance, and set building. Derek is also an artist, an active member of local meet-up art groups, and a supporter of all local arts.
Rose Craig
Development Director
Rose has an M.Ed from Temple University and has been the recipient of many honors including the PRSA Silver Anvil Award and the YWCA’s Women of the Year Award twice. Rose and her husband now reside near her daughter and family in Lake Wylie, SC.
Rose’s background includes over 30 years of leadership roles in non-profit fundraising and community-building within arts, foundation and social service organizations. She has also led corporate philanthropy and community relations efforts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Oregon.