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Asheville’s River Arts District Set for Recovery with New Grants

Community volunteers and artists collaborate to restore the Asheville River Arts District post-Hurricane Helene.

News Summary

Asheville’s River Arts District is gearing up for recovery with a substantial $3.7 million grant from Mountain BizWorks. This funding is part of the ‘Rebuilding Together’ initiative, aimed at supporting local businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Over 843 assistance applications reveal the dire situation, with economic losses exceeding $215 million. Community volunteers are stepping up, while an emergency relief grant for artists helps provide a safety net. The spirit of resilience shines through as Asheville aims to restore its vibrancy and attract visitors back to the area.

Asheville’s River Arts District Set for Recovery with New Grant Funding

Asheville is bustling with the excitement of a fresh start as the River Arts District receives a significant boost of $3.7 million in grant funding from Mountain BizWorks. This grant is part of the non-profit’s initiative, “Rebuilding Together,” aimed at aiding the area in bouncing back from the tragic impact of Hurricane Helene.

Grants Galore!

So far, Mountain BizWorks has handed out over 200 grants, and let’s just say, they are not holding back; some grants have gone as high as $25,000. After the hurricane wreaked havoc, more than 843 applications for assistance have flooded in, indicating just how much support local businesses need. The storm didn’t just leave a mark; businesses impacted by it have reported an astonishing $215 million in economic losses, and understandably, the River Arts District felt a significant portion of this blow.

Artistic Calamity

Imagine 80% of a community being destroyed overnight. That’s the reality for the River Arts District, an area that proudly hosts around 300 artists and 26 warehouses. Known as the #1 arts district in North Carolina and rated #47 in the entire country, the creative economy in Buncombe County generates a whopping $1 billion in annual sales and supports almost 8,500 jobs. Unfortunately, many arts professionals are currently facing a tough time and are out of work due to the aftermath of the storm.

Support for Artists

In response to the dire situation, an innovative emergency relief grant specifically for artists is in the works, offering $500 relief stipends. This assistance is available to artists in the affected western North Carolina counties looking for a safety net to survive this challenging period. Interested artists can apply through a dedicated website set up to facilitate this relief.

Community Spirit Shines

In an inspiring show of resilience, community volunteers have stepped up to help clean and restore damaged studios throughout the River Arts District. It’s heartwarming to see folks banding together to support their own. Despite some artists fearing there may be a decline in the number of creative spaces available, they are holding onto hope, eager to embrace new community arrangements that can help them thrive yet again.

Business Recovery Efforts

Local businesses, like The Marquee, are in desperate need of repairs, racking up losses that include important fixtures like checkout counters and lighting, totaling over $25,000. The founder of The Marquee believes that the newfound grant funding will significantly aid in their recovery efforts, shining a light amidst the darkness brought on by the storm. Many artists have expressed their sorrow over losing their creations, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of some artwork.

Attracting Visitors Back to the Arts

Even amidst the chaos, efforts are underway to attract visitors back to the River Arts District. Asheville remains a magnificent destination for anyone looking to soak up vibrant art and local culture. Bringing the community together and reviving this artistic hub is essential, not just for the artists, but for the very soul of Asheville.

In this time of recovery and rebuilding, it’s clear that despite the challenges faced, the spirit of Asheville’s River Arts District is alive and well. With community support and new funding, hope reigns eternal as artists and locals look toward a brighter future.