Creative Workforce Growth: 2015–2019 Buncombe County Creative Jobs Report

The 2015–2019 Creative Jobs Report offers a pre-pandemic benchmark of Buncombe County’s thriving creative economy. Commissioned by ArtsAVL and compiled using Emsi labor market data, the report charts significant growth across both core and allied creative industries over the five-year period.

Between 2015 and 2019, creative industry employment in Buncombe County increased by 22%, rising from 11,236 jobs to 13,736. This upward trend reflects robust local demand for creative services and a flourishing arts-driven business ecosystem.

The report divides the creative economy into:

• Core Creative Industries: Fine and performing arts, design, museums, media, and heritage
• Other Creative Industries: Breweries, architecture, and artisan manufacturing

Highlights from 2015–2019:

• Core creative industries added 14% more jobs
• Other creative industries saw a 33% growth in employment
• The fastest-growing sectors included Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers, Museums, and Motion Picture and Video Production
• Top earners in core sectors were Graphic Design Services, Photography Studios, and Art Dealers

This report established a vital baseline for measuring pandemic impact and long-term recovery. It also illustrates how Buncombe County’s cultural and creative strengths contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

As a foundational dataset, the 2015–2019 Creative Jobs Report informs policy, investment, and planning for future sector support.

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