One year after Hurricane Helene, a new report from ArtsAVL shows much of the region’s creative sector has reopened, but recovery remains uneven.
During the 2025–2026 fiscal year, ArtsAVL awarded 235 grants totaling more than $1 million to 210 artists, nonprofits, schools, and creative businesses across Buncombe County and Western North Carolina. That includes $665,000 through a new Nonprofit Arts Recovery Grant supporting 65 organizations in 12 counties. Nearly half the funding went to projects outside Asheville and 78% supported underserved communities.
ArtsAVL says the investments are helping sustain arts education, local economies, and ongoing recovery efforts. You can read more in ArtsAVL.