Arts AVL

Connection- ArtsAVL is connecting the community to creatives and creatives to each other through a new Creative Portal microsite launched in early 2023. Members receive access to a dashboard that not only provides them with resources but also allows them to create a public-facing directory profile. With a directory profile, members can provide information about their business and work and share upcoming events and opportunities. ArtsAVL is also making it easy to explore Ashevilles art scene while supporting arts businesses with the ArtsAVL Trolley program. This free service links key arts destinations in Downtown Asheville and the River Arts Districts. Data shows a marked increase in both patronage and sales on trolley days. Monthly impact surverys from businesses in the RAD and Downtown are reporting a 46% increase in sales and a 52% increase in visitors on Trolley Days than on non-trolley days.

Grants- In FY24, ArtsAVL regranted $332,465 through 97 grants. This means approximately 38% of ArtsAVL FY24 budget was regranted. For perspective ArtsAVL regranted $259,363 through 76 grants in FY23. That is a 28% increase in grant awards from FY23 to FY24. Since FY19, the amount of grant funding awarded per cycle has increased by 235%, and the number of awards per cycle has gone up 98%. ArtsAVL grants include the Arts for Schools, Arts Build Community, Grassroots Arts Program, Artist Support Grant, and Event Support Grant program. Major funding support for these grants came from the North Carolina Arts Council and Buncombe County Government. 57% of FY23 grants were awarded to underserved commuities either by race, location, or other special needs, and 28% of FY23 grants werw awarded to BIPOC led organizations.

Advocacy- In addition to annual Creative Economy reporting, ArtsAVL partnered with Americans for the Arts on the 6th nationwide Arts & Economic Prosperity Study published in October 2023 and led a Creative Spaces study looking at studio and performance space needs in Asheville Metro published in May 2024. ArtsAVL also held a series of three ArtsAVL Town Hall events which focused on Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Arts Marketing, and Creative Spaces, and hosted the annual State of the Arts Brunch. The Brunch celebrates our creative side while demonstrating the major role the arts play in Buncombe County. Additionally, ArtsAVL advocated for continuation of the Citys strategic event partnership funding and increased state funding support for the arts.