Buncombe County Music Friendly Communities Study – Public Input Happening Now through October 2025

The Buncombe County Music Friendly Communities (MFC) Study, led by ArtsAVL with support from the North Carolina Music Office and Sound Diplomacy, is an in-depth initiative to understand and strengthen Asheville and Buncombe County’s music ecosystem. Building on the statewide Music Friendly Communities program, this local study offers a tailored roadmap for sustainable growth and cultural vitality.

What’s Happening Now

We want your input! Share your experiences through our public survey:

Take the survey now!

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of music in Buncombe County by describing your challenges, opportunities, and priorities.

 What the Study Includes

• Stakeholder Engagement: Ongoing interviews and roundtables with musicians, venue owners, promoters, educators, and cultural leaders.
• Music Asset Mapping: Comprehensive inventory of venues, studios, festivals, music education programs, and supporting infrastructure.
• Policy & Infrastructure Review: Analysis of local zoning, permitting, licensing, noise ordinances, and other policies impacting music activity.
• Community Input & SWOT Analysis: Community?driven insights will feed into a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis.
• Strategic Framework: A data-informed roadmap, including policy tools, recommended programming, grants and funding mechanisms, artist support systems, and partnership opportunities tailored for local implementation.

Timeline & Impact

• Early 2025 Launch: The study began with stakeholder coordination in early 2025.
• Now through October 2025: Public input is underway—take the survey, join a roundtable, or share your story.
• October 2025 Release: The final report will be published with a clear action plan for artists, cultural leaders, policymakers, and funders.

Why This Matters

Asheville and Buncombe County are celebrated for their rich musical heritage—from iconic venues like McDibbs and The Orange Peel to dynamic festivals and grassroots performances. This study aims to:

• Elevate music as a core element of cultural equity, economic vitality, and community well?being
• Align local efforts with the broader NC Music Friendly Communities initiative
• Support inclusive growth, using voice?driven strategies and local asset recognition

Get Involved

Ensure your voice is heard—fill out the quick survey today or reach out to learn about upcoming public sessions, interviews, and engagement opportunities. This is a critical moment to influence policies, investments, and programs that will shape Buncombe County’s music future.

RELATED REPORTS