Asheville Reporter

ArtsAVL has announced the recipients of the City of Asheville's Event Support Grant for 2024-25. Eight nonprofit organizations will share $77,546 in grant funds to host free public events in Asheville's streets, parks, or outdoor spaces. ArtsAVL administers this grant program on behalf of the city.

The Event Support Grant aims to support non-profit organizations with financial assistance ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Its goal is to preserve public arts and cultural programming in Asheville's outdoor spaces by promoting cultural heritage, diversity, and creative arts through community events.

"ArtsAVL is deeply grateful to the City of Asheville for their continued support of these important anchor events," said Katie Cornell, executive director. "It is our hope that these events provide some much-needed moments of celebration for our community and help drive more foot traffic into downtown Asheville."

This year's grant-funded events include a variety of festivals and series:

- Arts 2 People will use its funding for the Surreal Sirkus Arts Festival at Pack Square Park. Jim Genaro, Board Member, stated that the grant would allow them to expand their festival offerings.

- The Asheville Downtown Association will support Downtown After 5 and other series with its grant. Executive Director Hayden Plemmons expressed gratitude for the support that enables them to bring free outdoor events downtown.

- Asheville Mardi Gras' event grant will back its annual parade.

- The Asheville Symphony will produce Symphony in the Park with its funding.

- Blue Ridge Pride will hold its Annual Blue Ridge Pride Festival celebrating LGBTQIA2S+ advocacy.

- The Folk Heritage Committee plans Shindig on the Green concerts featuring Appalachian traditions.

- LEAF Global Arts' Boomtown ReLEAF FestAVL celebrates local history and heritage.

- The YMI Cultural Center's Goombay Festival highlights Afro-diasporic culture. Sean Palmer, Executive Director, emphasized the importance of this support for their mission.

More information about eligibility guidelines for the Event Support Grant can be found at artsavl.org/esg.