The Charlotte Ideas Festival with Dave Eggers

Participate in the important questions of our time. The Forum is a conversation and speaker series that brings people together through the lens of the humanities and civic imagination. You’re invited to the April 8, 2027 Charlotte Ideas Festival featuring Dave Eggers Join bestselling author, publisher, and literacy advocate Dave Eggers for an evening exploring the power of storytelling to inspire empathy, challenge assumptions, and strengthen communities. Over the past two decades, Eggers has become one of the most influential literary voices of his generation. As the author of acclaimed works including Contrapposto: A Novel, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, The Circle, The Every, What Is the What, The Monk of Mokha, and the Newbery Medal-winning The Eyes and the Impossible, his writing has examined some of the defining questions of our time—from technology and democracy to education, immigration, creativity, and what it means to be fully human. He is also the founder of McSweeney's, the independent publishing house, and co-founder of 826 Valencia, a nonprofit network dedicated to supporting young writers and expanding access to education. In a moderated conversation, Eggers will reflect on the role of literature in civic life, the responsibilities of artists and storytellers, the promises and perils of technology, and why imagination remains one of our most powerful tools for understanding one another. Drawing from his remarkable body of work and his lifelong commitment to education and community, this promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking evening for readers, writers, educators, and anyone curious about the stories that shape our lives. Whether you've followed Dave Eggers's work for years or are discovering it for the first time, you'll leave with fresh perspectives on literature, creativity, and the enduring importance of the humanities in an age of rapid change. Connect. Consider. Ignite. Doors open at 5:30 to mix and mingle. The program runs from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM including time for conversation, connections, and Q&A. The Forum has a three-part structure: • First third: Opening remarks, performance, and audience prompt and connection; • Middle third: Featured presentation with audience Q&A; • Final third: Audience prompt and closing. THE HUMANITIES | Languages | Literature | History | Philosophy | Religion | And More About The Charlotte Center The Charlotte Center is a community forum and civic action catalyst that invites curious people into meaningful connection and problem-solving informed by deep consideration of the human experience. Our mission is to help people and communities flourish. The Charlotte Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We are supported by individual donors, grants, sponsorships, and revenue from our programs. We invite you to join us. thecharlottecenter.org