East Charlotte video store transforms into nonprofit arts hub
VisArt Video retains its 50,000-title rental inventory while adding a screening room and café to serve local filmmakers and artists.
By James Brooks ·
Video rental stores have largely disappeared from American cities, yet one in east Charlotte continues to operate with a full inventory of films. The business has adapted its model to survive in the streaming era by integrating community functions.
VisArt Video opened in 1982 as a standard rental location. When the industry contracted, the owners restructured the business in 2018. It now operates as a nonprofit organization.
The store maintains a collection of more than 50,000 titles. Customers can still browse the aisles to select movies for the weekend. Gina Stewart, the executive director, noted that this tactile experience remains a draw for residents who remember previous formats like Blockbuster.
Stewart said the organization has expanded its reach beyond film rentals. The space hosts plays, musical performances, and various art exhibitions. It functions as a third space for the neighborhood, serving people who need a place to connect outside of home or work.
The facility includes a dedicated screening room and a café. These amenities allow emerging filmmakers to present their work to an audience. The nonprofit specifically aims to support film production in North Carolina and Charlotte, with a focus on younger creators.
Stewart stated that the store has helped launch careers for several filmmakers. Some of those artists went on to attend the North Carolina School of the Arts. The space provides resources for artists who may lack the funds to host independent events.
Much of the interior decor has been rescued, repurposed, or donated. Stewart said first-time visitors are often surprised by the scale of the collection. She reported that at least 15 people walk in daily who did not previously know the store existed.
