Blumenthal Arts announces Blume Studios, a new pillar of programming and destination for immersive entertainment
Sep 10, 2024 / Blog
Blumenthal Arts is launching its own version of Studio City with experiential programming filling its brand-new stages at the former home of Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, near Uptown Charlotte, now known as The Iron District.
Welcome to Blume Studios where art, technology, and community converge. Get ready for experiential programming, taken to the next level, in a way only Blumenthal Arts can make it happen.
STAGE 1 at Blume Studios
Blumenthal Arts is bringing Charlotte a brand-new immersive entertainment show this fall. “Space Explorers: THE INFINITE” touches down September 20 - November 10 on Stage 1 at Blume Studios.
This incredible production, which only a handful of U.S. cities have gotten to see so far, takes visitors on a journey 250 miles above earth to the International Space Station. It features 360° immersive video footage, shot in collaboration with a dozen international astronauts and NASA.
During “The Infinite,” visitors feel like they are there, experiencing outer space alongside real astronauts. From exploring the inside of the space station to stepping outside to enjoy breathtaking views of earth — just how astronauts see it from above — the production uses actual cinematic video from space captured with advanced technology.
“The Infinite” will be the first project to come from Blume Studios, a new pillar of programming and set of brand-new stages at Blumenthal dedicated to large scale immersive experiences. With more to come, the initiative focuses on the intersection of technology, the arts and community. In 2024 these programs will be housed in the Iron District.
The desire to bring more immersive, experiential arts experiences to local audiences has propelled Blumenthal Arts over the last 2+ years as it searched for a new space following their record breaking engagement of Immersive Van Gogh. That production - the first major live indoor event in Charlotte to open after 15 months of pandemic-induced closures — was extended three times, drew more than 300,000 visitors, including nearly 80% of whom were first-time visitors to a Blumenthal Arts event.
Using that massively successful presentation as a model, Stage 1 at Blume Studios — a former warehouse — will be transformed with the aid of local artists. There will also be plenty of free features available to the public (no ticket required).
That includes an encore visit from “Gaia,” a giant, suspended re-creation of planet earth, designed by UK artist Luke Jerram that most recently was featured at the Charlotte International Arts Festival. The artwork will be accompanied by a new original soundscape created by local composer and sound designer Jason Hausman.
“Groundswell,” an interactive and kinetic installation art piece created by Australian artist Matthias Schack-Arnott will also be on display for the general public during the run of “The Infinite.” Visitors can climb on the work’s raised platform, where they will feel, hear and see the artwork shift with thousands of illuminated balls below, responding to the steps and movements people make.
A cafe, a gift boutique entitled Blume Studios MKT featuring work by local artists and themed ancillary events, like yoga or meditation, will be available at "The Infinite." Plans are also underway to create robust educational experiences for school groups, offering the opportunity for local kids and teens to explore the wonder of space exploration close to home.
At the announcement ceremony, Blumenthal's Board Chair John Giannuzzi spoke of the not-for-profit’s continuing focus on revitalizing and activating neighborhoods around Charlotte through strategic place-making. The new location at The Iron District is easily accessible from areas that have been historically underserved by the city’s major arts and cultural organizations, including Wesley Heights, Freedom Drive, and Camp Greene.
He said real estate developers are now recognizing that Blumenthal’s strength lies not only in “draw(ing) crowds but we bring color, texture and spark to community and to economic vitality.”
(Blumenthal's Board Chair John Giannuzzi speaking at the Blume Studios announcement event.)
Recognizing the artistic and economic potential of pursuing cutting edge opportunities with new technology, Blumenthal has quickly taken a leading international role in the immersive field. Over the past two years, Blumenthal senior staff has traveled around the globe to study best practices in design and content, spanning everything from virtual reality to immersive Broadway productions.
It also partnered with Denver Center for the Performing Arts and AMS Planning & Research consultants to host The Immersive Immersive, a first-of-its-kind conference in Colorado last November, for immersive content creators, producers and arts organizations around the world to come together and share opportunities, strategies and more.
(Blumenthal Arts Director of Artistic Experiences Bree Stallings and Blumenthal Arts President Tom Gabbard speaking at The Immersive Immersive conference in Denver)
Although immersive experiences can take many forms, Blumenthal’s CEO and president Tom Gabbard says their audience appeal is clear and they represent an important direction for the arts of the future.
“At its core, this is about active engagement in the arts,” he said. “People want to be able to experience it very personally. They want to touch, they want to feel, they want to be part of it.”
And now thanks to Blume Studios, Charlotteans will get more opportunities to do just that in their own city.
STAGE 2 at Blume Studios
Strap in for dinner and a show like no other when Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience makes its Charlotte debut September 26th – October 13th on Stage 2 at Blume Studios.
A hilarious tribute to one of the funniest British sitcoms of all-time and direct from London’s West End, Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up mayhem on a plate – alongside a 70’s style three-course meal and two hours of non-stop laughter. Drinks are available from the bar for an additional charge.
Much of the performance is improvised, so anything can happen … and usually does!
Stay tuned for more details on how we brought Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience to Blume Studios and what you can expect!
For the latest on all the happenings at Blume Studios, a Blumenthal Arts Experience, visit: www.BlumeStudios.com