We kicked off our 2024-25 Event Series with a City/ County Candidate Forum in late September. We had intended to follow this up with the State of the Arts Brunch but it is currently postponed until further notice.The series will hopefully continue in 2025 with a series of Roundtable Discussions to prepare for the launch of a (long overdue) countywide cultural plan.
These important conversations will help shape the future of our local arts community– the cornerstone of what makes Asheville such a wonderful place to be.
The series is free but advanced registration is required for each event.
CANDIDATE FORUM
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
The Orange Peel | 5:30-7:30 PM
ArtsAVL, Asheville Brewer’s Alliance, Asheville-Buncombe Hotel Association (ABHA), Go Local Asheville and the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) teamed 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.
Candidates confirmed to attend include:
County Commission
- Paul Benjamin, Buncombe County Commissioner District 1
- Jennifer Horton, Buncombe County Commissioner District 1
- Bruce O’Connell, Buncombe County Commissioner District 2
- Terri Wells, Buncombe County Commissioner District 2
City Council
- CJ Domingo
- Kevan Frazier
- Bo Hess
- Tod Leaven
- Kim Roney, incumbent
- Sage Turner, incumbent
Also, check out of Election Information page for more information about the candidates.
Thanks to our sponsors!
Interested in becoming a series sponsor? Email Rebecca Lynch at rebecca@artsavl.org for more details.
WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
Edward Jones
2023-2024 Event Series Highlights
THOMAS WOLFE
Mounting maintenance needs at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium have forced the City to reduce the venue’s operating capacity, resulting in major revenue losses and questions about the future of the performing arts in Asheville and Buncombe County. The Town Hall convened a panel of speakers to share their insight and perspective on the space. Panelists include:
- Mayor Esther Manheimer
- Chris Corl, Director of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities for the City of Asheville
- Steph Monson Dahl, Planning and Urban Design Director for the City of Asheville
- Daniel Crupi, Executive Director of the Asheville Symphony
- Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority
- Robert Long, Conceptual Planner for Theatre Consultants Collaborative
ARTS MARKETING
ArtsAVL heard from our creative community that marketing is an area where additional guidance and support is needed– especially after the pandemic. Audience behaviors have changed and marketing budgets have decreased. In response, ArtsAVL partnered with Explore Asheville earlier this month for a town hall focused on how Explore Asheville is marketing the arts in Asheville and how you can take advantage of these opportunities.
You can download the slides from this presentation here.
CREATIVE SPACES
As the cost of living rises, creatives are getting priced out of Buncombe County. At this event, ArtsAVL will present the results of their Creative Space study.
Attendees will also hear from a panel about different creative solutions they are trying to combat space challenges. The Panel will be moderated by Matt Peiken from AVL Podcast.
Panelists include:
- DeWayne Barton, Blue Note Junction
- Ashleigh Hardes, Lexington Glassworks
- Jeffrey Burroughs, River Arts District Artists
- Tamara Sparacino, Asheville Community Theatre
- Rebekkah Hilgraves, RadHaus Studios
This event is free, but registration is required.