Today we’d like to introduce you to Reba Bowens.
Reba, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Charleston, SC, I’ve always had an interest in the arts, specifically movement, since I was a child. I have studied dance and martial arts for nearly 30 years of my life. From attending a public arts school to Winthrop University, where I obtained a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance Performance and Bachelor of Science in Accounting. After graduating college, I professionally danced and choreographed with local Charlotte artists and regional North Carolina artists. When not dancing, I was either studying martial arts, specifically Capoeira, or working as an accountant. My work as an accountant began to intersect with my passion for the arts, and lead my to pursue a Masters in Arts Administration. Over the last 6 years in the Charlotte area, I have been using Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art that combines music, dance, martial arts, and acrobatics, to create spaces focused on building community and providing those with limited resources access to the arts and culture through the Queen City GINGA Project. Through the QC GINGA Project, participants are exposed to the fundamental elements of Capoeira and other aspects of Afro-Brazilian culture. My hope is for access to arts and culture to be expanded to those who have limited or no financial resources to experience them.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the biggest challenge is funding. As a creative, you have to learn to find ways to fund programming, which can be done in a variety of ways (grants, low-cost classes, workshops, demonstration, and public donations).
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Arts Advocate who use their knowledge to provide nonprofit and accounting guidance to artist and art and culture organizations. The unique combination of being an artist and accountant is uncommon in the creative space. Most in Charlotte know me through my work with Capoeira.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Charlotte has started to become more diverse since I’ve lived here for nearly 14 years. The city is small enough that someone can come here and make a name for themselves if they put in the work. Over the last 14 years in the Charlotte, I have seen traffic increase, which is a pain since many of the major highways and interstates are not likely to be expanded without displacing families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/qcgingaproject
- Instagram: QC_GINGA_Project
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/queencitygingaproject/
- Other: www.rebabowens.com
Image Credits
Lucas Priamo
