WNC Creative Manufacturing Kickoff Unveils Plans to Boost Creative Sector

Partners Talk New Resources in Region

Earlier this month, WNC Creative Manufacturing kicked off in earnest, welcoming creative entrepreneurs, arts organizations, resource providers, and public officials to hear updates about phase two of the initiative. Five project partners are the driving force behind the now named Creative Business Network: Land of Sky Regional Council, Mountain BizWorks, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Center for Craft, and ArtsAVL. At the kick-off event, project partners shared the key recommendations driving phase two of the project and what local Creative Business Network members can expect to see in the coming months.

Learn More

Five Local Organizations to Host Candidate Forum Covering Policy Hot Topics

RSVP to Attend September 25

ArtsAVL, Asheville Brewer's Alliance, Asheville-Buncombe Hotel Association (ABHA), Go Local Asheville and the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) are teaming 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.  Host organizations will moderate the event, asking candidates questions based on their policy focus areas as well as each organization’s top priorities for their member businesses and workforce.

Learn More

Meet Elise: Membership & Connections Manager

Please join us in welcoming  Elise McGannon to the ArtsAVL team!

With over five years of experience in public media, Elise McGannon (she/her) brings a fresh understanding of the importance of community engagement to ArtsAVL. Elise loves fostering meaningful partnerships within local communities, and her role will help further engage Buncombe County’s arts communities.

Read More

Apply Now for the Artist Support Grant

Artists of all disciplines are invited to apply. This year’s grantees will be awarded $500 - $3,000 in categories including visual arts, literary arts, music, film, choreography, interdisciplinary arts, and more.  Deadline to apply is Sept. 3.

Learn More

Apply Now for the Grassroots Arts Program Grant

The Grassroots Arts Program provides programmatic and operating support for nonprofit arts organizations in Buncombe County. Grants for FY25 will range from $2,500-7,500 dollars depending on the size of the organization. Deadline to apply is Sept. 16.

Learn More

Enjoy Smooth Music Thursdays with Jazz Jam

Join LEAF Global Arts for Jazz Jam every Thursday from 7-10. There is a suggested donation of $10 and local craft beer and wine for sale. Come as you are or bring an instrument! Open jam starts at 8 after a House Band set guaranteed to fill your soul with groove and joy.

See More Upcoming Events

More Local Arts News

From Around the Web

-  Building community one film at a time (Mountain Xpress)

-  Local theater companies respond to the loss of UNCA’s drama department (Mountain Xpress)

-  Study shows tourism spending in Buncombe County hits record high, nearly $3 billion (WLOS)

-  16th Annual Asheville Comedy Festival Set to Bring Laughter Back to the
Mountains (Tribune Papers)

-  Asheville's historic chimes whisper of peace and melody to new generations (WLOS)

-  The Sounds of Asheville (Garden & Gun in partnership with Explore Asheville)