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 Announces 14 Arts for Schools Grantees
ArtsAVL is thrilled to announce that 14 artists and arts organizations have been awarded the Arts for Schools grant. The grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County providing arts-focused performances, workshops, residencies, and field trips for K-12 students.
Artist Support Grant Application Now Open to Regional Artists of All Disciplines
Artists of all disciplines are invited to apply for the 2024-25 Artist Support Grant from July 22 – September 3. This year’s grantees will be awarded $500 – $3,000 in categories including visual arts, literary arts, music, film, choreography, interdisciplinary arts, and more.
A Shift in the Theatre Ecosystem
In June, University of North Carolina Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort announced that the University will be proposing the elimination of four of UNCA’s academic programs including the school’s Drama Department. What might this mean for our local arts ecosystem?
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
