Buncombe County’s Arts Sector Generated $68.9M and Supported 2,233 Jobs: AEP5 Economic Impact Report

The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (AEP5) report, conducted by Americans for the Arts and coordinated locally by the Asheville Area Arts Council, documents the robust economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector in Buncombe County during fiscal year 2015.

This study reaffirms that the arts are a vital driver of economic development—generating millions in spending, supporting thousands of jobs, and attracting visitors from across the region.

Key Economic Findings for Buncombe County (FY2015)

• $68.88 million in total economic activity
• $26.36M from nonprofit arts and culture organizations
• $42.52M from audience event-related spending
• 2,233 full-time equivalent jobs supported
• 898 by organizations
• 1,335 by audiences
• $51.26 million in household income generated
• $3.47 million in local government revenue
• $3.81 million in state government revenue

Arts Attendance & Audience Spending

• 932,567 total attendees at arts and culture events
• 58.1% were Buncombe County residents
• 41.9% were visitors from outside the county
• $51.80 average event-related spending per person (excluding admission)
• $85.13 per nonresident attendee
• $27.81 per resident attendee
• Spending categories included meals, gifts, transportation, lodging, and other local purchases

Participation & Methodology

• 52 local organizations (of 79 eligible) participated—a 65.8% response rate
• 786 valid audience surveys collected from events held throughout 2016
• Input-output modeling conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology ensured localized economic analysis specific to Buncombe County’s economy

Why It Matters

This report shows that the arts are not a luxury—they are a vital part of Buncombe County’s economic infrastructure. From job creation and tourism to local spending and civic engagement, the nonprofit arts sector delivers measurable impact.

AEP5 builds on previous studies (including AEP3 and AEP4) and laid the groundwork for Buncombe County’s continued participation in AEP6, helping to track trends and advocate for sustainable arts investment.

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