ARTS REPORTS
ArtsAVL is committed to advocating for Buncombe County’s creative sector through comprehensive research and reporting initiatives. These efforts highlight the economic and social contributions of the arts while offering valuable insights into trends and challenges within the local creative industry. By leveraging data, we can better support the artists, organizations, and cultural enterprises that enrich our community.
Arts reporting is essential for demonstrating the arts’ economic impact—such as job creation, tourism revenue, and local spending—while also showcasing their role in improving quality of life and fostering community connection. It helps identify challenges facing the sector and enables ArtsAVL to develop targeted programs and advocate effectively for resources. By using evidence-based insights, we strengthen our ability to engage policymakers, funders, and stakeholders in supporting the creative sector’s growth and resilience.
Key initiatives for 2025-2026 will be a new music industry study for the Asheville Area, a WNC craft supply chain study, and countywide arts recovery plan for Buncombe County.
MOST RECENT REPORTS
Asheville’s Music Industry Is Bigger Than It Was in 2016 — But Structurally Different
Three reports reveal a $436M music industry in Buncombe County—larger than 2016, more independent, and at a turning point.
All Arts. All Ways. Spring Into Festivals, Markets & Events Across Buncombe County
Warm weather is perfect for enjoying Buncombe County’s creative energy and the spring brings a remarkable lineup of arts experiences in every direction.
ArtsAVL Releases Complementary Studies on Buncombe County’s Creative Economy
ArtsAVL releases two studies on Buncombe’s creative economy, showing post-Helene slowdown, jobs, earnings, and ripple effects across the economy.