Clayton Sealey | Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications, The Mint Museum
On this episode of Oui Talk Raw, host Terry Hudson sits down with Clayton Sealey—a Charlotte native with a global creative lens—to explore how art, marketing, and civic leadership intersect to shape the soul of a city.
As Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at The Mint Museum and a Planning Commissioner for Charlotte/Mecklenburg County, Clayton brings a unique perspective to the conversation about what it means to build a city where creativity thrives. The two dive into the role museums play in strengthening the arts and music ecosystem, and why preserving cultural spaces is vital for Charlotte’s future.
They also highlight The Mint’s latest exhibit featuring legendary rock and roll photographer Annie Leibovitz, and what it means for Charlotte to host such an iconic voice in visual storytelling
About Me – Clayton Sealey
Clayton Sealey is a Charlotte-based marketing, social media, and branding expert who serves as Senior Director of Marketing & Communications at The Mint Museum. He is also the creator of “CLT Development,” a social media platform that encourages public dialogue around urban growth, design, and planning in Charlotte. With a background in advertising and architectural history from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Sealey blends creativity with civic engagement to help communities understand and shape their built environments. His work connects cultural institutions to audiences through storytelling, design strategy, and place-based marketing.
Sealey is a strong advocate for transit and equitable mobility, as well as for arts and culture as drivers of inclusive, vibrant cities. He is especially passionate about placemaking—using design and communication to foster community identity and engagement. He currently serves as a Charlotte Mecklenburg Planning Commissioner and as Business Council Chair of the NoDa Neighborhood Business Council, supporting thoughtful, community-centered development.
Exploring Charlotte’s Cultural Growth with Clayton Sealy of the Mint Museum
Host Terry Hudson welcomes Clayton Sealy, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC, for an insightful conversation on art, culture, and city development.
Clayton shares his fascinating journey—from studying architecture and historic preservation at Savannah College of Art and Design, to working over a decade in Brooklyn’s fashion, publishing, and experiential marketing scenes, and finally returning to Charlotte with a mission to shape the city’s cultural landscape.
Art and Community in a Growing City
The pandemic accelerated the Mint Museum’s adoption of digital engagement tools like QR codes, enhancing visitor experiences and accessibility. Clayton emphasizes that cultural institutions such as the Mint are more than just galleries; they are vital hubs for education, empathy, and community building in Charlotte’s rapidly evolving urban scene.
Highlighting Dynamic Exhibits & Artistic Inspiration
The episode explores some of the Mint’s exciting exhibits, including captivating Picasso landscapes and interactive artist response programs that invite visitors to create poetry, music, and paintings inspired by the displays. They reflect on the powerful emotional impact of works like Barbara Pennington’s Selma, which confronts complex feelings of anguish and faith.
Art Education & Its Importance
Clayton and Terry discuss the often-overlooked value of arts education alongside STEM, highlighting how the arts foster creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Advocates continue to push for stronger legislative support to fund the arts, recognizing their deep impact on communities.
The Mint Museum’s Inclusive and Vibrant Approach
From casual dress codes to public space activations and social events, the Mint has evolved to make art welcoming and accessible for all. The museum partners with local cultural institutions to energize Charlotte’s streets and public spaces, playing a key role in urban vibrancy and the city’s identity as an arts and music hub.
Supporting Local Artists and Youth Creativity
Programs like Mint Five Space provide emerging artists a platform to curate and showcase their work, while Scholastic art awards spotlight youth talent. These efforts strengthen Charlotte’s cultural economy and foster ongoing creative growth.
Charlotte’s Diverse and Evolving Art Scene
Reflecting the city’s increasing diversity, Charlotte’s public art—including murals and street art—has become an influential force, shaping the community’s visual identity and cultural expression.
Upcoming Exhibitions to Watch
- Annie Leibovitz: A Legendary Retrospective
Explore decades of intimate and iconic celebrity portraits featuring Demi Moore, John Lennon, Kendrick Lamar, and more. - Future Now: Virtual Sneakers
Delve into sneaker culture’s past and future, including sustainable innovations, iconic movie shoes, and engaging community events like panel discussions and sneaker decorating workshops.
Navigating Digital Marketing for Creatives
Clayton shares insights on how artists and creatives can succeed in today’s digital landscape by embracing authenticity, video content, and platform-specific strategies—highlighting TikTok’s viral potential and Facebook’s value for event promotion.
Stay Connected
Follow the Mint Museum on social media @TheMintMuseum and visit mintmuseum.org to subscribe to their newsletter and stay updated on exhibits and events.
Thanks to Clayton Sealy for sharing his passion and expertise on this episode of Oui Talk Raw.
Musicians and artists interested in cultural topics can explore related shows on the network covering booking, record labels, and stage performance.
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