Asheville’s Creative Community Rallies After Storm Helene
Asheville is buzzing with excitement as local artists and arts organizations navigate the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Despite the challenges posed by the storm, 2024 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for the arts scene in this vibrant city and its surrounding areas.
Understanding the Impact
In February, ArtsAVL, the designated arts agency for Buncombe County, launched a comprehensive survey to gather insights on the affordability and space challenges faced by artists and arts businesses. The results were presented at a town hall meeting hosted at the Asheville Community Theatre on May 10. The survey captured feedback from approximately 400 participants, with 76% identifying as arts professionals and 24% as arts businesses across Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison counties.
The findings from this nearly 100-page report revealed a concerning trend: the earnings of local professionals aren’t keeping pace with the rising cost of living in the Asheville metro area. Many artists are struggling to access studios, rehearsal rooms, and similar spaces due to financial constraints. The impact of Tropical Storm Helene further complicated these challenges, creating an urgent need for recovery efforts.
A Silver Lining in a Storm Cloud
Katie Cornell, the executive director of ArtsAVL, recently shared her optimism about the community’s response to the storm’s aftermath. “The outpouring of local and national support for our local artists and arts organizations has been amazing,” she noted. She explained that although Buncombe County was hit hardest by the storm, the creative community throughout western North Carolina has also felt deep impacts.
In a move that signals hope and resilience, ArtsAVL has partnered with the NC Arts Council to take the lead in a WNC arts recovery plan. As Cornell explained, this process will be extensive and complex, but it offers a chance to address long-standing issues such as space affordability and the high cost of living that plague the arts community.
Highlights of 2024
Reflecting on the arts highlights of the year so far, Cornell mentioned several standout moments that have invigorated the local scene. Notable expansions included the new White Horse Black Mountain venue and the introduction of the Black Mountain Blues Festival. Additionally, Asheville welcomed the Boomtown Arts & Heritage Festival and The Creative Playground, while art events like Art in Autumn and Art Safari in Weaverville continued to grow in popularity.
A Commitment to Recovery
Among the significant achievements for ArtsAVL in 2024 is the plan to award over $1 million in arts relief funding. As a leading arts funder, ArtsAVL was quick to mobilize aid not only in Buncombe County but across all 26 counties affected by Hurricane Helene. Cornell expressed strong belief in the crucial role arts play in the recovery of western North Carolina, stating, “We are doing everything we can to support our creative community during this extremely difficult time.”
A Call for Community Support
As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the local arts scene, it’s clear that the spirit of Asheville’s creative community is unyielding. The collective effort in the face of adversity gives us hope for a brighter future. Everyone can play a part in supporting the arts; whether through attending local events, engaging with artists, or contributing to relief efforts, every little bit helps.
The journey ahead may be long, but with unwavering support from locals and advocacy from organizations like ArtsAVL, it’s clear that Asheville’s arts community will continue to thrive, turning challenges into opportunities for creativity and connection.
