LYDIA CHARLES

SIMPLE GRITS

CULTURAL CURATING AND WRITING

For almost twenty years, Lydia Charles has applied her academic training in history and cultural studies to guide Cultural Economy projects throughout the United States. She works on teams in public and private development ventures -- from small scale historic building repurposing projects to larger city area plans. Her job is to provide research and context to determine whether or not a proposal is feasible, competitive, and/or sustainable.

Most of Ms. Charles’ work has been in locations considered risky, unproven, and/or have experienced depletion of resources, chronic disinvestment, environmental challenges. Florida, Michigan, Washington DC, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Infill projects in commercial districts, mixed-use retail and housing in historic areas, building and site repurposing, infrastructure and marketing considerations to attract small businesses and tourism/hospitality enterprises.

Lydia Charles holds a B.A. in History from UC Berkeley, a M.A. in History from UNC Chapel Hill, a PhD in Cultural Studies from George Mason University, and a Certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education Teaching for Change program.

Visit Ms. Charles’ website, Simple Grits, to learn more.