Photo of Reggie Tidwell taken by Joel Osgood
Why Become a Member of Arts AVL?
April 26, 2023 | ArtsAVL has launched a new Creative Portal highlighting news and events and celebrating the artists and makers in Asheville and Buncombe County. It’s the perfect time to become a member and take advantage of the support ArtsAVL offers for an affordable monthly or annual cost. The Creative Portal includes a refreshed, comprehensive member directory and will also be the go-to local resource for arts news and events – supporting ArtsAVL’s mission of keeping the arts at the heart of our community.
ArtsAVL has long supported artists and arts organizations, and the Creative Portal marks the next phase of this support. “Our mission is to support creatives in Buncombe County, and we believe helping arts businesses become better connected is a large part of that,” says ArtsAVL executive director Katie Cornell. Through the portal, members are linked to other arts professionals as well as potential clients, creating more opportunities for connection and community via an interactive, searchable database. Visitors to the site can search for artists and filter upcoming events by date or event type. See event listings here.
For Reggie Tidwell, founder of Curve Theory and Director Emeritus of the Asheville chapter of AIGA, “being a member of ArtsAVL is about connection. Asheville is an art city, and it’s teeming with amazing makers, designers, and artists. Through ArtsAVL, I am able to form alliances with other creatives, get exposure for my work, and support other artists.”
Upon joining, members can customize a directory profile, publish upcoming events for their arts organization or business including direct links to ticketing information, and share opportunities including job postings and rental listings on the Creative Portal. They can also access a personal dashboard featuring local arts news and individually tailored events and opportunities – like relevant grants, training programs, jobs, and arts resources.
Jay Sanders, who worked with ArtsAVL to develop the Creative Portal, shares that ArtsAVL membership is about community. “Asheville’s creative society has always been exceptional for a town its size. This inimitability draws visitors from all over the globe who come seeking unique and authentic experiences. ArtsAVL encourages local artists from all disciplines to bind together and forge a unified creative economy. When we promote the value of this amalgamation, we nurture the strength of the individual. Together, we grow, benefit, and prosper while declaring our unique visions and values.”
Membership is tiered to make it as affordable as possible and best meet the needs of creatives.
Tiers are as follows:
- Individual artists: $7.50/month, $75.00/year
- Arts groups (unincorporated bands, arts collective groups): $10/month, $100/year
- Arts nonprofits (501c3 nonprofit organizations): $17.50/month, $175/year
- Arts for profit (for profit organizations): $25/month, $250/year
- Partner organizations (supporters of the arts): $50/month, $500/year
Members also have advertising opportunities on the Portal (additional costs apply).
Ready to learn more and join ArtsAVL as a member? Get more information and sign up here.