Founded in 1974, Charlotte's Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture exists to present, preserve and celebrate the art, history, and culture of African-Americans and people of African descent through dance, music, visual and literary arts, film, educational programs, theatre productions, and community outreach. Named for Harvey B. Gantt, the prominent Charlotte architect and community leader and former Mayor of Charlotte, the Center is housed in an inspired and distinguished award-winning structure and is home to the nationally celebrated John and Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art, which was generously donated by Bank of America.