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KYLE LAHM: KEYS TO THE CULTURE
By Nailah Herbert
October 1, 2024
North Charleston, South Carolina, has seen remarkable growth and evolution, since being established on June 12, 1972. What began as a quiet, industrial suburb with naval ties and a close-knit community has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub, bringing together a diverse range of artistic initiatives, economic development, and community engagement. This transformation has been fueled by the strategic efforts of cultural leaders and city officials, particularly Kyle Lahm, the Director of the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department.
In this conversation, Kyle Lahm is interviewed by Okeeba Jubalo, Founder and Publisher of Park Circle Quarterly Magazine. They discuss her childhood experiences growing up in North Charleston, the transformation of Park Circle, the role the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department plays in serving the community, and how
large-scale initiatives like The Global Art Fair continue to pour resources and creativity into the community of North Charleston.
The Cultural Roots of North Charleston
Kyle Lahm, born and raised in North Charleston, carries a deep personal connection to the city. Reflecting on her childhood memories, she recalls how the community revolved around the Park Circle area. "One of my earliest memories is twirling a baton at the old Park Circle Community Building. I was probably 7 years old," Lahm shared, revealing the deep-seated history that ties her to the space she now helps steward.
At that time, the city was far from the bustling cultural epicenter it is today. "As a young child, I lived on one side of East Montague. My grandma lived on the other side. I would be riding my bike up to Montague to go to the drugstore," she reminisced. Park Circle was small, homely, and largely untouched by the modern developments that now define it.
1972: The City of North Charleston was established as the 9th largest city in South Carolina on June 12, 1972
with John E. Bourne, Jr. as the first mayor.
The Evolution of Park Circle
As time progressed, the socio-economic landscape of North Charleston began to change. With the closing of the Navy Yard and new economic opportunities on the horizon, Park Circle became a focal point of redevelopment. This once-quiet neighborhood transformed, attracting new residents, businesses, and a burgeoning creative scene.
"I bought my first house in 1997 for $48,000. That seemed like a lot of money at the time," Lahm recounted. "Now, houses are selling for $1,000,000. It’s amazing how things have changed." These shifts were symbolic of a larger transformation across the city, with Park Circle at the forefront of North Charleston's cultural and economic revival.
This cultural evolution was sparked in part by the opening of Madra Rua, an Irish pub, which Lahm describes as "really changing a lot of things." From a couple of modest cafes and shops, the area blossomed into a thriving business district with more than 20 restaurants and bars. The shift in Park Circle’s identity was palpable, making it a hub for creativity and culture in the Charleston region.
The Park Circle Community Building
The Role of the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department
Under Kyle Lahm’s leadership, the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department has been integral to this cultural transformation. The department’s mission is to create a diverse range of artistic and cultural opportunities that are accessible to all. Moving into the new Park Circle Community Building in 2023 enabled them to significantly expand their offerings. “Moving here has changed the face of this department tenfold,” Lahm said, explaining how the new space has facilitated everything from workshops to community events. "We weren’t doing half this stuff a year ago because we didn’t have a place to do it."
An important aspect of the department’s work is ensuring that all cultural offerings remain free or affordable. “If we’re the city putting on events for our community, one of the biggest ways we can make them accessible is to keep them free,” Lahm emphasized. This inclusivity has allowed North Charleston’s cultural scene to flourish, drawing in a diverse audience from across the city and beyond.
In terms of program offerings, the department doesn’t just focus on traditional arts. "We're not necessarily just throwing things at the wall to see if they stick, but in a sense, we kind of are because we want these spaces to be busy and full," Lahm explained. This approach has led to a wide range of events, from crochet workshops and K-pop dance classes to classical concerts, all aimed at engaging the community in new ways.
Lahm is particularly proud of the department’s role in bringing large-scale events to the city, such as the Global Art Fair, which showcases local, national, and international artists. "Whether it's painting a mug at a ceramic studio or attending a big event like the Global Art Fair, I love being able to say that I'm a part of that, and it makes me happy," Lahm shared. These events have contributed significantly to North Charleston's reputation as a cultural destination, drawing visitors and creatives from far beyond its borders.
Kyle Lahm addressing the audience at the soft launch of TGAF
Okeeba Jubalo and the Global Art Fair
One of the key figures behind the success of large-scale events like the Global Art Fair is North Charleston native Okeeba Jubalo, the Founder and Executive Creative Director, who serves as the nationally renowned cultural engineer and visionary behind this initiative. His goal for the fair is clear: to bring together multiple generations to enjoy fine art, engage with his innovative programming, and foster deeper connections within the community.
Jubalo’s efforts to promote intergenerational engagement through art have made a significant impact. He aims to ensure that the Global Art Fair isn't just an event but a movement that integrates art, community involvement, and cross-generational connections. As Jubalo emphasizes, "It’s not enough to say, ‘Hey, I have an idea,’ and expect someone in Kyle’s position to green-light your process. You have to frame it up as a business and get some things happening so that when it’s presented, you’re not having to guess." His approach reflects a thoughtful commitment to building creative collaboration, not just among artists but within the entire community.
Spoken Word artists perfroming at the soft launch of TGAF
Art installation at the soft launch of TGAF
The Future of Art and Culture in North Charleston
As North Charleston continues to grow, the Cultural Arts Department looks to the future with a long-term vision. The Park Circle Gallery is already booking exhibitions for 2025, and the North Charleston Arts Fest is a hallmark event that draws both local and national artists. As Lahm explained, “We live in the future for so many things.”
In addition to public events, the department is dedicated to arts education, particularly for young people. Through their outreach programs, they bring performances and artist residencies into public schools, ensuring that even students who may not be able to attend outside events still have access to the arts. "Transportation for a lot of our kids is a huge barrier to access to the art, so we need it to happen at school where our kids are," Lahm said, underscoring the department’s commitment to accessibility.
Conclusion: A Creative Future for North Charleston
The transformation of North Charleston from an industrial suburb to a cultural hotspot is a reflection of the vision and hard work of individuals like Kyle Lahm and her amazing team. Their dedication to building a creative and inclusive community has not only revitalized the city but also created opportunities for all residents to engage with art and culture.
Through inclusive programming, long-term planning, and a focus on accessibility, the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department has set the stage for a bright and creative future. As Okeeba Jubalo aptly put it, North Charleston is becoming “a big small town,” where creative forces are recognized and celebrated. And as the city continues to grow, its cultural heart will undoubtedly continue to beat stronger, thanks to the collaborative efforts of those who call North Charleston home.
