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
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.
2022 Buncombe County Creative Jobs Pandemic Impact Report
Explore the pandemic’s impact on Buncombe County’s creative sector, with job loss trends, 2021 recovery data, and top industries in earnings and sales.