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
ArtsAVL Emergency Relief Grant: $750,000 Awarded to 1,500 Artists Across Western North Carolina
ArtsAVL awarded $750,000 in emergency relief grants to 1,500 artists across 26 WNC counties following Hurricane Helene. See the full impact breakdown.
Buncombe County Arts Business Damage Assessment Reveals $14.8M in Losses After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene caused $14.8M in losses for Buncombe arts businesses. This report reveals damage, needs, and recovery challenges across the creative sector.
2023 Buncombe County Creative Economy Snapshot
Explore Buncombe County’s 2023 Creative Economy Snapshot, highlighting $385M in earnings, 9.2% growth, and top industries like arts, design, and media.