What to expect from the inaugural State of the Arts Brunch in Asheville, NC

Celebrate Asheville’s arts community over a hearty family-style brunch on Wed., Nov. 2.

avl state of the arts brunch

The State of the Arts Brunch will bring the varied members of our local arts community together.

Photo by @matty.media

Art thou ready? The Asheville Area Arts Council’s inaugural State of the Arts Brunch will take place Wed., Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at The Orange Peel. The ticketed brunch event offers local artists and arts advocates a way to celebrate our the broader creative community.

The event includes featured speakers Mayor Esther Manheimer and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman, along with the presentation of the 2022 John Cram Arts Leadership Award. Additionally, the event will highlight four important pieces of research:

  1. The Creative Jobs Report. This study examines the impact of the pandemic on things like job totals through the end of 2021. “We will be looking at the projected totals for 2022, including where jobs and sales went,” says Katie Cornell, Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council.
  2. The WNC Creative Manufacturing Study. This report will offer highlights of the creative manufacturing scene across the Asheville metro. Findings will be published in early 2023.
  3. The Outdoor Events Impact Report. An update to the 2017 study, this piece explores the community impact of the benefits Asheville’s outdoor events provide to participating nonprofits. It’s expected to wrap up next month.
  4. The Arts and Economic Prosperity Report. Get a glimpse of the sixth iteration of this study with Americans for the Arts, which examines the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector. Its findings will be complete in October 2023.

Want to support our local creative sector? Become an arts ally member of the Arts Council. Membership costs go to fund the council’s work in arts advocacy, public art, and services for creatives.

More from AVLtoday
Since 1928, this local festival has been celebrating the traditional music, dance, and storytelling of the Southern Appalachians.
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is making its way to The Venue — here’s what you can expect.
The music festival’s second year promises even more artists and venues over its four days of performances and events.
From Best Dressed to Most School Spirit, these local bevs were voted the best (in the very subjective opinions of the two AVLtoday City Editors).
There are plenty of spots around to take a spirit-free sip — from mocktails and nonalcoholic beers to kava and tea.
Third places are public, informal gathering spaces you frequent in your community. We’re here to help you give you recommendations and help you find your third place around Asheville.
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Asheville nod there — these craft beers found around Beer City, USA take local pride seriously.
Explore the story of moonshine (a.k.a. white lightning), Appalachia’s most infamous drink, from its sordid history to the present day.
Learn about the history of radio in WNC and get your hands on some old tech at these special upcoming events.
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Asheville, NC.