ArtsAVL Releases Draft Asheville-Buncombe Arts Recovery Framework for Public Review

Framework unveiled at 2026 State of the Arts Brunch; public feedback period open through June 15

ASHEVILLE, NC (June 2026) — ArtsAVL today released the draft Asheville-Buncombe Arts Recovery Framework, a long-term vision and planning framework designed to strengthen and better align the systems that support arts and culture across Buncombe County and Western North Carolina. The framework was unveiled during ArtsAVL’s annual State of the Arts Brunch, where community leaders, artists, nonprofit organizations, creative businesses, public officials, and residents gathered to discuss the future of the region’s creative sector.

The release marks the culmination of nearly a year of research, stakeholder engagement, interviews, focus groups, and planning conducted through a partnership between ArtsAVL, Buncombe County Government, the City of Asheville, Explore Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Lord Cultural Resources, with participation from hundreds of artists, cultural organizations, creative businesses, and community stakeholders.

The framework was developed in response to both long-standing opportunities and challenges facing the arts sector, as well as the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene. It recognizes arts and culture as essential components of economic development, tourism, workforce development, public space, community identity, and regional recovery.

The framework establishes a shared structure for coordination and alignment across organizations, sectors, and systems. It is organized around three strategic approaches—Strengthen, Expand, and Integrate—and seven interconnected focus areas: Arts Districts, Public Art, Arts in Parks, Libraries and Community Centers, Public Arts and Entertainment Facilities, Creative Economies, Live and Work Space for Creatives, and Support for Arts Businesses. Together, the framework outlines 26 recommendations intended to strengthen cultural infrastructure, support recovery, and position arts and culture as part of the region’s long-term development strategy.

“The arts are not separate from our region’s recovery, economy, or future—they are deeply connected to all of them,” said Katie Cornell, Executive Director of ArtsAVL. “This framework reflects the ideas, experiences, and expertise of hundreds of community members and partners who care deeply about the future of arts and culture in our region. It is intended to be a starting point for long-term collaboration and systems alignment, helping ensure that artists, creative businesses, cultural organizations, and communities can continue to thrive for years to come.”

“One of the strongest themes to emerge throughout this process was the desire for greater coordination and alignment across the systems that support arts and culture,” said Jamie Bennett, Lead Consultant and Thought Leader for Lord Cultural Resources. “This framework provides a shared foundation for organizations, agencies, businesses, and community partners to work together toward a stronger and more resilient arts ecosystem. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their perspectives and expertise throughout this process.”

ArtsAVL is now inviting the public to review the draft framework and provide feedback through an online survey. Public comments will be accepted for the next two weeks, and feedback collected through the survey and additional community engagement efforts will help inform the final report, which is expected to be released in July 2026.

The full draft framework, executive summary, and public feedback survey are available at artsavl.org/framework.

John Cram Arts Leadership Award Presented to Andrea Clark

During the State of the Arts Brunch, ArtsAVL and Blue Spiral 1 also presented the 2026 John Cram Arts Leadership Award posthumously to acclaimed artist, photographer, preservationist, storyteller, and cultural leader Andrea Clark.

The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a lasting impact on the arts and cultural life of Buncombe County. Clark’s work documenting Black life in Asheville, preserving community history, advancing traditional craft practices, and elevating the stories of historically underrepresented communities has become an enduring part of the region’s cultural legacy. The award was accepted by members of her family, and the accompanying $1,000 community grant was designated to the YMI Cultural Center in her honor.

Acknowledgements

ArtsAVL extends its gratitude to Lord Cultural Resources for helping guide the planning process, to the partner organizations, Arts Coalition, interview and focus group participants, survey respondents, artists, creative businesses, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community members who contributed their time, expertise, and perspectives throughout the development of the framework. Their participation helped shape a document grounded in collaboration, shared priorities, and a collective vision for the future of arts and culture in our region.

Learn More

Review the draft framework, complete the public survey, and learn more about the Asheville-Buncombe Arts Recovery Framework at artsavl.org/framework.