CHARLOTTE, N.C. — DUPP&SWAT, a Black-owned creative art studio, is pulling dozens of artists together for the group's third installation of its "FRESH2DEATH" series.

This round is called "Urban Outsiders" and will highlight local talent on Sunday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Neighborhood Theatre. Tickets are $20.

What You Need To Know

  • DUPP&SWAT is a Black-owned art studio, creating opportunities and space for a multi-purpose for artists to do whatever they need
  • The group is holding a "FRESH2DEATH" festival Sunday, March 19 at Neighborhood Theatre from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • The studio's nonprofit, Crown Keepers, provides grant money to performing grassroots artists

The sibling owners of DUPP&SWAT, Dion and Davita Galloway, opened the studio in 2010. Davita Galloway says creatives immediately flew in. 

The studio is located in Charlotte's Camp North End. 

"Because of representation, you know, seeing my brother and I," Davita Galloway said. "They flew in because our space was cozy and comfortable and felt like home to them. They also continued to come into our space because we gave them, oftentimes, their first 'yes.'"

DUPP&SWAT has a nonprofit, Crown Keepers, which awards grant money to grassroots artists for their performances and contributions to the creative space.

Davita Galloway says they are huge advocates of creating your own opportunities. It's how she and her brother ended up founding their art studio in the first place.

"We just needed to create a space that I needed when I was younger," Davita Galloway said. "As an artist, as a creative, I didn't find, or couldn't find, or didn't have a space to be able to emote and express myself." 

With bachelor's and master's degrees in public health, Davita Galloway says she is finally pursuing what she loves to do, which is to create. She is a wardrobe stylist and customer. 

"I create. I create experiences. I create moments. I create memories," Davita Galloway said. 

She says events like FRESH2DEATH are about providing a platform for artists and removing barriers that often hold them back.

"This is such an outlet for a variety of creatives," Davita Galloway said. "Oftentimes, commercial spaces, even venue spaces are expensive, and so any opportunity that artists get to create and perform and really be able to show up authentically and express themselves, we are definitely on board for."

She says people always ask, "Where are creatives in Charlotte?" And she says they are here. 

"I think we always have to prove ourselves as Black creatives and you know what, just being as we are is more than enough," Davita Galloway said.