2024 State of the Arts Brunch

ArtsAVL State of the Arts Brunch Returns this October

This year’s State of the Arts Brunch celebrates Asheville’s arts community

September 17, 2024 | Local arts advocates can now reserve tickets ($75) for the 2024 State of the Arts Brunch, taking place Thursday, October 24 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown. Hosted by ArtsAVL, the brunch provides a critical snapshot of the current state of our creative sector and time to celebrate and activate our local creative community.

The brunch offers the opportunity to connect with area artists and arts organizations and to learn and share resources and information at a critical time for Asheville and Buncombe County. ArtsAVL’s Executive Director Katie Cornell will share the State of the Arts Address – a report on the present and future of the arts in Asheville and Buncombe County. City of Asheville Councilor Maggie Ullman, Buncombe County Commissioner Vice Chair Amanda Edwards, and Explore Asheville and BCTDA President and CEO Vic Isley will also share remarks about how the City and County support arts and culture.

The late Connie Bostic, a true pioneer within the local arts community, will posthumously be presented with the John Cram Arts Leadership Award (the “Crammy”), honoring their contribution to the arts in Asheville. A few of Connie’s many notable contributions include founding Zone one– downtown Asheville’s first contemporary art gallery, launching both Craig’s and Asheville Music Hall, and serving as a driving force behind the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center. The award will honor her life and influence – an indelible part of Asheville’s art scene. Connie’s family will also announce their choice of local arts-based nonprofit organization or community project to receive an ArtsAVL grant of $1,000.

This year, the brunch is moving to Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown who are generously providing a buffet-style fare. Jack Benton, Area Director of Sales, shared, “We are thrilled to play host to this year’s State of the Arts Brunch, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown. Celebrating Asheville’s vibrant arts scene aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence and community engagement. We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of our city’s creativity and spirit!”

“If you care about the arts in our area, this is the event for you,” said Katie Cornell, Executive Director of ArtsAVL. “This is Asheville’s creative pulse check with exciting announcements, a delicious meal, and great conversation – you won’t want to miss it!”

Ticket sales will support the ArtsAVL’s mission to keep the arts at the heart of our community. Table sponsorship is available beginning at $2,500. Other opportunities to support ArtsAVL and, by extension, the local arts community, are available as well.

Reserve your ticket here. The early bird ticket price ($75) will be available through Sept. 30. On Oct. 1, general admission tickets will be available for $100.

To reserve your seat for the State of the Arts Brunch at: artsavl.org/brunch. If you are interested in reserving a table email Alexa Whitman at alexa@artsavl.org.