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
2023 Buncombe County Creative Economy Report
Buncombe County’s creative sector surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2023 with 14,000 jobs and $2.1B in sales, led by film, museums, and arts management.
Asheville Metro Manufacturing Research Summary
This 2023 research summary explores creative manufacturing in Asheville Metro—highlighting workforce needs, maker challenges, and opportunities for industry growth.
Creative Manufacturing Sector Plan
Explore how WNC’s Creative Manufacturing Plan supports local artisans through branding, training, sales channels, and infrastructure for craft industry growth.