Welcome
what is vr?
Visible Records is composed of 20 semi-private artist studios, a gallery, a large common area, and a community garden that houses our AiRstream. Since opening in 2021, our mission has continued to take shape through the work and relationships fostered here. Today, our focus is on supporting visual artists and encouraging creative exchange, collaboration, and experimentation. We believe in the power of art to inspire imagination, connection, and new ways of thinking about the world. Visible Records is guided by values of collaboration, generosity, and shared growth.
We maintain a common area where community members can gather, plan, and host programming. This shared space is designed for flexible use and welcomes people with a wide range of interests, experiences, and creative practices. Programming includes potlucks, independent music events, artist markets, community meetings, workshops, artist talks, film screenings, book clubs, and more.
Visible Records is also home to a Free Closet and the Little Free Fridge, a refrigerator and pantry that are freely accessible 24/7. Common Field Gardens provide space to grow food and build connections through shared stewardship and care. Our programming is sustained through grants and generous donations.
If you’d like to support working artists and our free community programming, please visit our donation page.
/ 1740 BROADWAY
Visible Records is housed within a multi-use warehouse in the Carlton/Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville, VA. The property was home to a data management company called Data Visible that employed over 70 working class people from 1966 until 2014, when the company closed. The building is currently owned by Data Visible’s parent company, VAS of Virginia Inc. Rather than sell the property to developers, the family heirs resolved to convert the 55,000 sqft warehouse into affordable fabrication, office, and retail space for Charlottesville’s working class entrepreneurs. Morgan Ashcom, an artist and the warehouse’s current manager, spearheaded this conversion, as well as the construction of Visible Records. 1740 Broadway St. is now home to Visible Records, Decipher Brewing, Infinite Repeats, Dovetail Design & Cabinetry, Patois Cider, Metal Inc., Dreadhead, The Freeman Artist Residency, numerous recording studios and more than 20 other small businesses.
We know that our community is the middle of an affordable housing crisis and that part of that crisis is fueled by the development of previously industrial spaces into expensive housing, retail, and restaurants. At 1740 Broadway and Visible Records, we are committed to maintaining the space as an affordable and diverse place for people to accomplish their dreams. For more information on the rising cost of living in Charlottesville and efforts to combat it, visit: https://affordablehousingcville.org/.
/ FIND US
Visible / Records
1740 Broadway Street,
Charlottesville, VA 22902
/ HOURS
Our Gallery is open to the public:
Wednesday—Saturday 11AM to 5PM or by appointment
/ CONTACT US
Email:
gallery & AIR programming: gallery@visible-records.com
studio & community programming: studio@visible-records.com
Instagram: @visible_records
photos by Hannah Kade