Creative Manufacturing in Asheville Metro: 2023 Research Summary on Craft Industry Needs
The 2023 Creative Manufacturing Research Summary, developed by the Asheville Area Arts Council (now ArtsAVL), provides a high-level look at the state of craft-based manufacturing in Asheville Metro. This snapshot combines feedback from regional makers, nonprofits, and economic development leaders to identify current challenges and opportunities facing the sector.
Creative manufacturing—defined as the intersection of traditional craft and small-scale production—has long been a pillar of the Western North Carolina economy, especially in fields such as ceramics, textiles, woodworking, glass, and metalwork.
Key Findings:
- Access to capital, affordable space, and workforce shortages were the most frequently cited barriers to growth.
- Makers expressed a need for shared equipment, business development support, and regional marketing that reflects the value of handmade goods.
- The sector is deeply place-based and culturally rooted, but often overlooked in traditional economic development models.
- Many respondents emphasized the importance of preserving craft heritage while also adapting to modern distribution models and customer expectations.
The research informed the development of the WNC Creative Manufacturing Sector Development Plan and supports the broader goal of building sustainable infrastructure for the region’s artisan economy.
This summary offers valuable insights for funders, planners, and advocates working to support a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven creative manufacturing ecosystem in Western North Carolina.
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