Buncombe County Featured in National AEP4 Report on Arts & Economic Impact

The Arts & Economic Prosperity IV (AEP4) report, published by Americans for the Arts, demonstrated the powerful economic role of the nonprofit arts across the United States—and Buncombe County was one of the 182 communities selected to participate in the national study.

Through local coordination by the Asheville Area Arts Council (now ArtsAVL), Buncombe County contributed vital data that helped shape the national picture of arts-driven prosperity in FY2010.

National Findings from AEP4:

• $135.2 billion in total economic activity
• $61.1B from nonprofit arts organizations
• $74.1B from audience event-related spending
• 4.1 million jobs supported nationwide
• $22.3 billion in total government revenue, including federal, state, and local sources

Buncombe County’s Role:

• One of only 3 communities in North Carolina to participate in the study
• Collected data from local arts and culture nonprofits and event attendees to measure spending and economic impact
• Helped illustrate the regional influence of Asheville’s creative economy and vibrant cultural scene
• Set the stage for future participation in AEP5 (2017) and AEP6 (2023), tracking local trends over time

Audience Spending Insights:

• Event-goers in Buncombe County—especially non-local attendees—spend on dining, lodging, and transportation, amplifying the arts’ impact beyond the venue
• These patterns reflect Asheville’s strength as a cultural tourism destination, with music, galleries, festivals, and performances drawing regional and national visitors

Lasting Value:

Participation in AEP4 gave Buncombe County a benchmark to demonstrate the arts’ value not just as culture, but as economic infrastructure. The report also strengthened advocacy efforts at the local and state level, showing that investment in the arts yields measurable returns—in jobs, tax revenue, and community vibrancy.

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