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.
All Arts. All Ways. A Summer of Festivals, Markets & Events Across Buncombe County
Explore festivals, concerts, craft fairs, studio tours, markets, and cultural events happening across Buncombe County all summer long.
Asheville Recovers Together Announces $14.6M Small Business Grant Program for Helene-Impacted Businesses
Eligible Asheville small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for grants from $5,000 to $75,000 through Asheville Recovers Together.
The River Arts District: Past, Present, and What Comes Next
The River Arts District: Past, Present, and What Comes Next From industrial corridor to creative hub—and a district actively shaping its next chapterThe River Arts District is one of Asheville’s most dynamic places to explore—a working creative community where you can...
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
