Hurricane Helene made its mark on every industry and area in Asheville. The River Arts District and the creatives who call it home were particularly devastated, and even outside the destruction of this neighborhood, many Asheville artists have lost whole bodies of work and their income after the storm.
So we’ve gathered a few local resources dedicated to the creatives who bring beauty and vibrancy to our city.
ArtsAVL Emergency Relief Grant
Artists and art professionals of all disciplines in any WNC county impacted by the storm can apply for these $500 stipends. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. You can also fill out the WNC Creatives Needs Assessment Form, created jointly with WNC Arts, so that the organization can contact you as resources become available.
Asheville Fringe Artists Relief Fund
This fund, which offers $250 micro grants, is aimed at performing artists and theatre technicians who are recent alumni or current applicants of the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival.
Craft Futures Fund
The Center for Craft has reactivated its grant program for emergency relief. Awards of $500 are accepted on a rolling deadline between now and Sunday, Nov. 17; applications are reviewed weekly.
Creative Relief
Different WRLD launched an Instagram initiative, asking WNC creatives impacted by the storm to share their Venmo and CashApp details in the comments. The posts asks those wishing to help to send funds directly to the artists.
Mountain Area Cultural Resources Emergency Network
MACREN offers disaster assistance to cultural institutions in our area. For assistance and information, contact Jeff Futch via email or at 828-274-6789.
NC Arts Disaster Relief Fund
The North Carolina Arts Foundation is working to provide funding and assistance to artists and arts organizations. The grant application and disbursement process is still being designed, but you can fill out the information request form to stay up to date. And if you have the resources, you can donate to the fund.
Helene Business Recovery Fund
Launched by Mountain BizWorks, the fund provides rapid relief loans to small businesses in WNC. Loans are offered up to $100,000.
For information about federal assistance and grants from national organizations, visit ArtsAVL’s page on emergency support resources.
