STATE OF THE ARTS BRUNCH
ArtsAVL’s May 2025 State of the Arts Brunch brought together over 200 community members, artists, and local leaders for a morning dedicated to celebrating progress and mobilizing continued support for Buncombe County’s creative sector. The event featured updates on more than $1.4 million in relief grants distributed to artists and arts businesses, the launch of the “Redefine the Weekend” marketing campaign, and a preview of a five-year Arts Recovery Plan to guide long-term investment. Attendees also heard from Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and Explore Asheville about their ongoing support for the arts. The program concluded with the presentation of the 2025 John Cram Arts Leadership Award to the late Connie Bostic, honoring her lasting impact on Asheville’s cultural landscape.
Images from the May 2025 Brunch
“The Crammy”
John Cram Arts Leadership Award
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.
Sponsored by Blue Spiral 1, this award is named after local entrepreneur and philanthropist John Cram, who passed away in 2020. The Crammy seeks to honor individuals who have made a large contribution to the arts in Buncombe County.
Connie Bostic
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Email Rebecca Lynch at rebecca@artsavl.org for more details.
