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 Awardees of City of Asheville’s Event Support Grant
On behalf of the City of Asheville, ArtsAVL is pleased to announce the eight nonprofit recipients of the 2024-25 Event Support Grant. Each organization will host free, public events within Asheville’s streets, parks, or outdoor public spaces.
2025 Buncombe County Music Friendly Communities Study
Launching an in-depth Buncombe County Music Friendly Communities study—led by ArtsAVL, NC Music Office & Sound Diplomacy—with final report due October 2025.
ArtsAVL Announces Arts Business Relief Grant for Western North Carolina Arts Businesses Affected by Hurricane Helene
ArtsAVL launches the Arts Business Relief Grant to aid WNC arts businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene, including craft, visual, performing, and music sectors.
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
