Tom Gabbard on Cultivating Creative Cities and Building Space for Innovation

CI to Eye with Monica Holt

Can a performing arts center change the identity of a city? Tom Gabbard has spent more than two decades proving it can as CEO of Blumenthal Arts in Charlotte, NC.

Under his leadership, Blumenthal has grown from a regional performing arts center into a national force. Charlotte now ranks among North America’s Top 10 markets for touring Broadway shows, and the organization also fosters experimental projects in Blume Studios, a 44,000-square-foot “arts R&D lab” that pushes beyond traditional stages.

In this episode, Tom reflects on how he balances commercial success with cultural mission, programs with local artists and community needs in mind, and pilots immersive experiences that redefine what arts participation can look like.

LINKS:

Blumenthal Arts

Breakin' Convention Hip Hop Festival

Blume Studios

Troubadour Theatres