Charlotte’s premiere avant garde series showcases free performances from world-class artists who are challenging the boundaries of their artforms. The multi-disciplinary series offers an exciting cross-section of contemporary culture, featuring literature, film, dance, music, performance art, and theater. The 2025 series featured Aterno, a dance company from Mexico City, poet Mia S. Willis (Atlanta), and guitarist Shane Parish (Athens GA). Highlights from previous Avant Goodyear events include: Marthaodessy by dance artist Jesse Factor, the World Theatrical Premiere of Harry Smith’s restored masterpiece Mahagonny (1980), readings by Pulitzer Prize winner Jericho Brown, poet Paul Tran, and writer Hanif Abdurraqib, and a concert by legendary jazz pianist Matthew Shipp.