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 initiatves for 2025 will be a new music industry study for the Asheville Area, a WNC craft supply chain study, and countywide cultural plan for Buncombe County.
MOST RECENT REPORTS
2025 Buncombe County Music Friendly Communities Study
Launching an in-depth Buncombe County Music Friendly Communities study—led by ArtsAVL, NC Music Office & Sound Diplomacy—with final report due October 2025.
Upscaling Creative Manufacturing Project Phase 2
Explore how WNC partners are scaling the region’s craft economy through training, shared space, funding, and marketing for creative manufacturers.
Creative Sector Survey Reveals Top Support Needs for Artists in Western North Carolina
2025 survey of 358 WNC creatives reveals top support needs—financial aid, marketing, space access—as artists recover and rebuild after Hurricane Helene.