Here’s comes the evil twin to the $160 million Wachovia Arts Tower — a drive to raise $66 million to endow operating funds for the new spaces. Not to fund actual art mind you, just to keep the lights on in the shiny new buildings.

This is what the Powers That Be said Charlotte needed, so this is what we are getting. Next up, handing over Spirit Square and its “too much” parking to developers. Then Charlotte’s arts community can then choose between serving one mega-bank, or the other mega-bank across town. And all will be right with the world.

Creative community? You’re just court jesters to Charlotte’s tasseled-loafered royalty.