VisArt Video: East Charlotte's 50,000-Title Rental Store Expands into Nonprofit Arts Hub

VisArt Video in east Charlotte has expanded its operations beyond movie rentals to function as a nonprofit community space for artists and filmmakers. The organization, which retains its original 1982 video rental identity, now hosts plays, musical performances, and art exhibits alongside its traditional library of films.

The store opened in 1982 during the peak of the physical video rental industry. As streaming services gained market share and competitors closed their doors, the owners restructured the business model. In 2018, VisArt officially converted to a nonprofit status. This shift allowed the organization to broaden its focus from purely commercial movie distribution to serving the local creative community.

The physical store remains a rental shop. It holds a collection of more than 50,000 titles. Patrons can still browse the aisles to select movies for home viewing. Gina Stewart, the executive director, noted that the tactile experience of choosing films in person resonates with customers who remember earlier decades of video culture.

"A lot of people remember what it felt like to walk into Blockbuster and choose a couple movies for the weekend," Stewart said. "We still do that because again, it’s getting in touch with what our community wants."

Beyond rentals, the facility serves as a venue for local creative work. It includes a dedicated screening room where emerging filmmakers can present their projects. The space also contains a café and areas for live performances. Stewart stated that the organization aims to provide a third space for neighborhood residents and artists who lack the resources to host independent events.

The nonprofit specifically targets young talent in the region. Stewart explained that supporting film production in North Carolina, particularly in Charlotte, is a core part of the mission. The organization has helped launch the careers of several filmmakers who have since attended the North Carolina School of the Arts. Much of the equipment and decor in the space has been rescued, repurposed, or donated.

Stewart observed that visitors are often surprised by the scale of the operation. She said that at least 15 people visit daily and express astonishment at the size of the collection and the variety of events held within the walls of the former video store.