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

Jamie Karolich
Jamie Karolich
Advisory Board
Director, Craft Your Commerce at Mountain BizWorks
Jessica Tomasin
Jessica Tomasin
Advisory Board
Founder, Connect Beyond Festival and Studio Manager, Echo Mountain Recording
Libby O'Bryan
Libby O'Bryan
Advisory Board
Owner, Sew Co + Rite of Passage
AAAC - Liz Whalen Tallent
Liz Whalen Tallent
Advisory Board
Managing Partner, The Orange Peel
Rae Geoffrey
Rae Geoffrey
Advisory Board
Managing Director, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
Justin Rabuck
Justin Rabuck
Advisory Board
Owner & Co-Founder, Horse & Hero and The Big Crafty
Reggie Tidwell
Reggie Tidwell
Advisory Board
Co-Owner, Forty Hearts