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.
Five Local Organizations to Host Candidate Forum Covering Policy Hot Topics
ArtsAVL, Asheville Brewer’s Alliance, Asheville-Buncombe Hotel Association (ABHA), Go Local Asheville and the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) are teaming up to host a Candidate Form for Asheville City Council and Buncombe County Commission Candidates on Wednesday, September 25 from 5:30-7:30pm at The Orange Peel. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.
Apply Now for Arts AVL’s 2024-25 Grassroots Arts Program Grant
Now through September 16, Buncombe County arts programs and nonprofit arts organizations are invited to apply for the 2024-25 Grassroots Arts Program (GAP) grants. Amounts range from $2,500-$7,500.
Blue Ridge Craft Trails Spotlights Buncombe County Artist Communities
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) recognized a gap left in Western North Carolina’s creative community when Handmade in America, a resource for area craft artists, closed down in 2015. In 2017, with support from regional grant funding, the nonprofit started its Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT) program.
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
