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
Hurricane Helene Creative Sector Impact: 2024 WNC Creatives Needs Assessment Summary
WNC creatives report urgent post-Hurricane Helene needs—loss of studios, income, tools. Recovery hinges on targeted aid and sector-wide support.
2023 Creative Spaces Study
Explore ArtsAVL’s Creative Spaces Directory to find available studios, venues, and cultural spaces in Asheville and Buncombe County for artists and organizations.
Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 Buncombe County Report (2022)
Nonprofit arts in Buncombe County generated $51.2M in spending, supported 1,249 jobs, and inspired civic pride, according to the 2023 AEP6 national study.