This is an exciting time for
the Arts in Buncombe County, as the Asheville Area Arts Council (AAAC)
is moving locations, from 346 Depot St. in the River Arts District to the
downtown Grove Arcade suite 144 and 143A, in order to expand its
exhibitions and launch new programs. Executive Director, Kitty Love, signed a
lease for two spaces inside the Arcade. Opening in August 2014, the AAAC
will continue to host Point of View:
Artists Curate Artists gallery
exhibitions, as well as expand resources for artists by developing the Artist Resource
Center (ARC).
The ARC is a space dedicated to
hosting classes, workshops, and exhibitions for creative people in our
community. Point of View,
Artist curate Artists Exhibitions invites area professional artists
to play the unique role as curator. Exhibitions are based on artistic
merit, regardless of commercial value and and intended to illuminate the
breadth and depth of Asheville/Buncombe’s creative sector. Upcoming
artist workshops include an eight-week curriculum developed
by NCReal, in partnership with arts and economic development
organizations. The curriculum focuses on business planning for craft
artists. The ARC will also serve as a digital lab for AAAC member use,
outfitted with computer monitors, scanners, and digital image software. Funding
from the Windgate Charitable Foundation and other community partners has
made this space for digital creativity possible, and AAAC plans
on continuing fundraising capital to keep the ARC updated and
accessible.
The ARC is part of the AAAC
2014-2018 strategic plan for fostering creative entrepreneurship.
AAAC provides resources for artists who want to support their profession with
smart business practices. Classes on business, entrepreneurship, and finance
will be offered in the ARC space. The AAAC currently offers a certificate in Creative
Business Management through a collaborative program with Asheville-Buncombe
Technical Community College. The course delves into topics such as
effective marketing and financial management; similar classes have been offered
in the Depot Street gallery over the past two years in collaboration with
HandMade in America and the River Arts District Business Association. The move
to the Grove Arcade gives the AAAC space to grow in order to continue expanding
the series of classes and innovative exhibitions.
Additionally, the new space
will provide support for access to the new AshevilleArtsAlive.com, a
comprehensive art, culture and entertainment calendar and directory. This
project represents a partnership between the AAAC and Asheville Convention
and Visitor's Bureau.
No comments:
Post a Comment