Study
In response to growing concerns from the local arts professionals and businesses, ArtsAVL launched the Creative Spaces study in 2023. The process included an assessment of population demographics and cost of living averages across 7 study regions, including Buncombe County, Haywood County, Henderson County, Madison County, Asheville MSA, North Carolina, and the United States. Cost of living was compared with median earrings and demographics for 66 creative occupations.
A survey of creatives across the four counties was conducted in early 2024, along with multiple interviews, follow up polls, and an inventory of current studio and rehearsal/ performance spaces. Cases studies of local and national initiatives to address similar space concerns were also collected.
The resulting Creative Space Report was released in May 2024, following a town hall presentation and panel discussion.
Report
This nearly 100 page report primarily looks at creative work spaces– locations where arts professionals and/or arts professionals create, present, or sell their work. Findings include occupation demographics and median earnings, survey results assessing current and needed workspaces, an inventory of current creative spaces, local and national case studies addressing these similar space challenges, and next steps.
Local Case Studies
Between now and when the report comes out in May, we will be adding a series of local case studies.
Arts AVL Opens Grant Application for City of Asheville’s Event Support Grant
Between September 9 and October 14, eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for financial support for events that are free, open to the public, and permitted within Asheville’s streets, parks, and outdoor public spaces. Grants typically range from $3,000-$10,000, but the amount can vary depending on the organization’s needs.
Arts AVL Announces Twenty Arts Build Community Grant Awardees
ArtsAVL is pleased to share that twenty Buncombe County organizations have been awarded Arts Build Community (ABC) grants. The 2024-25 grants range from $1,000 to $2,500 and will support community-based arts programs in a wide range of disciplines.
WNC Creative Manufacturing Kickoff Unveils Plans to Boost Sector and Foster Creative Job Growth, Resources in Region
Earlier this month, WNC Creative Manufacturing kicked off in earnest, welcoming creative entrepreneurs, arts organizations, resource providers, and public officials to hear updates about phase two of the initiative. Five project partners are the driving force behind the now named Creative Business Network: Land of Sky Regional Council, Mountain BizWorks, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Center for Craft, and ArtsAVL.
Town Hall
Details of the report were released at an ArtsAVL Town Hall event on May 10. Executive Director Katie Cornell presented highlights from the report, and Matt Peiken, founder of Podcast AVL and The Overlook podcast, moderated a panel featuring local arts leaders working to address different creative space issues, including:
- DeWayne Barton, Blue Note Junction
- Ashleigh Hardes, Lexington Glassworks
- Jeffrey Burroughs, River Arts District Artists
- Tamara Sparacino, Asheville Community Theatre
- Rebekkah Hilgraves, RadHaus Studios
