ARTS REPORTS
ArtsAVL is committed to advocating for Buncombe County’s creative sector through comprehensive research and reporting initiatives. These efforts highlight the economic and social contributions of the arts while offering valuable insights into trends and challenges within the local creative industry. By leveraging data, we can better support the artists, organizations, and cultural enterprises that enrich our community.
Arts reporting is essential for demonstrating the arts’ economic impact—such as job creation, tourism revenue, and local spending—while also showcasing their role in improving quality of life and fostering community connection. It helps identify challenges facing the sector and enables ArtsAVL to develop targeted programs and advocate effectively for resources. By using evidence-based insights, we strengthen our ability to engage policymakers, funders, and stakeholders in supporting the creative sector’s growth and resilience.
Key initiatives for 2025-2026 will be a new music industry study for the Asheville Area, a WNC craft supply chain study, and countywide arts recovery plan for Buncombe County.
MOST RECENT REPORTS
2020 Buncombe County Creative Occupation Wages
Compare 2020 wages for 70+ creative occupations in Buncombe County vs. state and national averages. Explore wage gaps and living wage benchmarks.
2020 Buncombe County Creative Wage Report
Explore 2020 creative wage trends in Buncombe County—job loss, earnings decline, and wage disparities during the pandemic’s peak in the arts sector.
2019 Buncombe County Creative Economy Snapshot
In 2019, Buncombe County’s creative sector hit 14,153 jobs, $492M in earnings, and $1.6B in sales—up over 20% from 2015. Explore top industries and occupations.