ARTS COALITION

OVERVIEW

The Creative Economy in Buncombe County spans over 8 supersectors and supports 9,000+ jobs. In order to better serve the many diverse arts professionals and businesses in our community, ArtsAVL formed the Arts Coalition in 2021 to drive policy in key focus areas, including: Arts & Cultural Districts, Arts & Entertainment Facilities, Arts Education, Music Venues & Musicians, Multicultural Arts Programs, Information Industries (Film, Publishers, Recording), Nonprofits (Performance, Visual, & Craft Arts), Professional & Business Services (Graphic Design, Photography), Public Art, Community Events & Festivals, Sole Proprietors & Independent Contractors, Trade (Retail & Wholesale), Manufacturing, and Writers & Authors.

Each focus area is represented by a local arts leader who reflects different stakeholder interests and meets with ArtsAVL staff on an annual or as-needed basis. This committee drives ArtsAVL’s policy initiatives and helps plan advocacy events.

In addition, the Arts Coalition Advisory Board will serve as the sounding board and steering committee for the Arts Recovery Plan—providing guidance, feedback, and accountability as this long-term initiative moves forward.

Advisory Board

Lori Cozzi
Advisory Board
Executive Director, Black Mountain Center for the Arts
Daniel Crupi
Daniel Crupi
Advisory Board
Executive Director, Asheville Symphony
Rae Geoffrey
Rae Geoffrey
Advisory Board
Managing Director, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
Jaime Graeber
Jamie Graeber
Advisory Board
Arts Specialist, Buncombe County Schools
Janet Hurley
Janet Hurley
Advisory Board
Grants Manager, Colaborativa La Milpa
Pat Kappes
Advisory Board
Chair, COA Public Art & Cultural Commission
Jamie Karolich
Jamie Karolich
Advisory Board
Director, Craft Your Commerce at Mountain BizWorks
Ashleigh Koslow
Ashleigh Koslow
Advisory Board
Marketing Director, Lexington Glassworks
Kim Hundertmark
Kim Hundertmark
Advisory Board
Executive Director, RADA Foundation
Beth Mangum
Advisory Board
Co-owner, Mangum Pottery
Pam Myers
Pam Myers
Advisory Board
Executive Director, Asheville Art Museum
Libby O'Bryan
Libby O'Bryan
Advisory Board
Owner, Sew Co + Rite of Passage
Sean Palmer
Advisory Board
Executive Director, YMI Cultural Center
Justin Rabuck
Justin Rabuck
Advisory Board
Owner & Co-Founder, Horse & Hero and The Big Crafty
AAAC - Liz Whalen Tallent
Liz Whalen Tallent
Advisory Board
Managing Partner, The Orange Peel
Reggie Tidwell
Reggie Tidwell
Advisory Board
Co-Owner, Forty Hearts
Jessica Tomasin
Jessica Tomasin
Advisory Board
Founder, Connect Beyond Festival and Studio Manager, Echo Mountain Recording