About ArtsAVL

Mission

Though every arts council is different, all still have three main duties: advocacy, accessibility, and philanthropy.

The mission of the ArtsAVL (formerly Asheville Area Arts Council) is to keep the arts at the heart of our community. The Arts Council fulfills its mission by supporting arts professionals and businesses in Buncombe County through Connection, Advocacy, and Grants.

Connection Advocacy Services for Creatives

VISION

Our vision is a strong and sustainable arts sector, with:

  •  Strong Support: Strong local government and community support, where the arts are valued for their contributions to Buncombe County.
  • Well Resourced/ Connected: A well resourced and connected arts sector that works together towards common goals.
  • Thriving Workforce: A thriving creative workforce that can afford to live and work in Buncombe County.
  • Diverse Assets: Cultural assets that reflect who we are as a community, are well-maintained, thoughtfully created, and that support local creatives.
  • Accessibility: Accessible arts programs where everyone has the opportunity to create and participate in the arts.
  • Arts for Schools: Arts-integrated schools, where our youth have the opportunity to experience new cultural experiences and express their creative side.
  • Low Barriers: An equitable arts sector with low barriers to entry, and wraparound services that are accessible and inclusive.

VALUES

ArtsAVL values creativity, community, collaboration, and inclusion. We lead with both heart and mind, to provide high-quality, trustworthy results for the betterment of Buncombe County.

Donate to Our Mission

The arts in Buncombe County are still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which damaged nearly half of our region’s cultural assets. ArtsAVL—whose mission is to keep the arts at the heart of our community through advocacy, grants, and connection—is leading the charge to rebuild. But recovery will take time, resources, and community support. Your gift helps us invest in local creatives, restart programming, and strengthen the creative economy. Donate today at artsavl.org/donate and help Keep AVL Creative.

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