$680K in Hurricane Helene Relief Grants Awarded to 136 WNC Arts Businesses by ArtsAVL
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina’s arts sector, ArtsAVL launched the Arts Business Relief Grant to help stabilize and support the region’s creative businesses. Between February 14 and March 14, 2025, arts businesses across 26 counties were invited to apply for $5,000 recovery grants. In total, 136 grants were awarded, representing a critical $680,000 investment in the region’s cultural and economic recovery.
Supporting Those Hit Hardest
Eligible applicants included both for-profit and nonprofit arts businesses in the craft, visual, and performing arts—including music. Businesses needed to demonstrate at least two years of arts production, an annual budget of $20,000 or more, and physical operations in the eligible counties. Awards were determined based on the completeness of applications, the scale of storm impact, and organizational feasibility.
- 180 applications were received; 136 were awarded following eligibility and fraud screening.
- Grants were distributed across 19 counties, with the majority awarded in Buncombe County (95 awards) and Asheville (81 awards).
- 61% of awardees were for-profit businesses, and 39% were nonprofits.
- 30% of grantees identified as minority-led.
Sector-Wide Impact and Recovery
The businesses that received relief reported profound losses due to Hurricane Helene—both physical and economic:
- Total physical damages exceeded $6.7 million, ranging from destroyed artwork and equipment to extensive facility damage.
- Economic injury totaled over $11.2 million, stemming from lost revenue during peak tourism season, canceled events, and additional emergency operating costs.
Despite the challenges, WNC’s arts community has responded with resilience and innovation. Funded businesses are using the grants to:
- Restore lost programming and reopen facilities.
- Rehire staff and pay artist salaries.
- Resume classes, exhibitions, and performances.
- Invest in marketing and outreach to rebuild audiences.
Building a Sustainable Path Forward
Recovery strategies among grantees include:
- Diversifying revenue, with a focus on e-commerce and wholesale sales.
- Expanding programming to better serve community needs.
- Restoring facilities with disaster-resilient upgrades.
- Investing in marketing to re-engage audiences and tourists.
- Supporting artists through residencies, networking, and affordable studio space.
These coordinated efforts are ensuring the region’s creative sector not only recovers but emerges more sustainable and inclusive.
Ongoing Needs
In addition to funding, grantees identified a need for:
- Greater marketing and tourism support.
- Networking and collaboration opportunities.
- Operational and legal assistance, especially around insurance and grant compliance.
- Business development resources, including mentorship and strategic planning.
Notably, 33% of recipients had received no other aid, highlighting the critical role this grant played in filling recovery gaps.
RELATED REPORTS
Interactive Map of Arts and Culture Assets in Buncombe County Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Map of 573 arts and culture assets in Buncombe County impacted by Hurricane Helene. Updated quarterly to track recovery and resilience across the sector.
WNC Arts Relief: Hurricane Helene’s Impact on the Creative Economy and the Road to Recovery
Hurricane Helene devastated WNC’s arts sector. Learn how ArtsAVL is leading recovery with emergency grants, business aid, and creative workforce support.
ArtsAVL Emergency Relief Grant: $750,000 Awarded to 1,500 Artists Across Western North Carolina
ArtsAVL awarded $750,000 in emergency relief grants to 1,500 artists across 26 WNC counties following Hurricane Helene. See the full impact breakdown.