The Light Factory Photo Arts Center

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a nationally recognized institution devoted to the power of the lens. Established in 1972 as a photographers’ cooperative, it was born from the desire to give emerging artists a platform to share their work and to elevate photography as a legitimate art form. From these grassroots beginnings, the organization quickly evolved into a museum dedicated not only to exhibitions but also to education and community engagement.

What sets The Light Factory apart is its dual focus on photography and film, making it one of only a handful of institutions in the United States dedicated exclusively to these mediums. In 1999, the museum formally expanded its mission to include film, acknowledging the close kinship between still and moving images. This broadened vision allowed The Light Factory to host screenings of independent films, documentaries, experimental works, and animation, providing invaluable exposure to both established and emerging filmmakers. Its Filmmakers’ Showcase has become a celebrated platform for new voices, while visits from acclaimed directors such as Charles Burnett and George A. Romero have enriched its reputation as a place where cinematic innovation is both honored and shared.

Education has always been central to The Light Factory’s mission. Through initiatives such as the “My Family, Our Stories” program, the museum has used photography to empower students, particularly English language learners, to tell their own stories. With over ninety classes offered in photography and filmmaking, along with accessible darkroom and digital facilities, the museum continues to foster the next generation of visual artists.

Today, The Light Factory stands as a dynamic hub for creativity, dialogue, and experimentation, inspiring audiences through exhibitions, screenings, and outreach programs that highlight the enduring influence of photography and film on contemporary culture.