Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Word on the street is that the building the Asheville Area Arts Council is for sale. If that’s true, that could have some major implications for an Asheville nonprofit that’s seen some major changes recently.
If you haven’t been paying attention, the arts council recently held a big fund-raising event after it cancelled its signature event last year. The arts council’s executive director position also remains vacant after the former director resigned last year.
The arts council right now is located in a great spot – on Biltmore Avenue just a few doors down from Posana. It’s high visibility with lots of foot traffic, which is perfect for artists whose work is showcased within. It’s a location that’s hard to beat.
Background from an Asheville Citizen-Times story in advance of the new fund-raiser, held in March:
The Crystal Ball will be at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville on March 26 and will feature performances, a fortuneteller, music, food and an auction.
It’s a ball, but don’t call it the Color Ball, the council’s signature fundraising event that was canceled last summer because of the recession. Executive director Angela Martinez also resigned last year, and her post remains empty.
“Right now, it’s kind of an interesting time,” Gold said. “We’ve just redone our budget, and one of the big things that we need to do is hire an executive director. In order to make budget, we are holding this ball. We really need to get leadership, so that we can make more revenue.”
The money raised from the ball will specifically go toward “all our operating expenses in terms of salaries, mortgage, utilities, etc.,” said Tom Hayes, board chair.
The council is participating in the New Realities Program, an organizational assessment made available through a grant from the N.C. Arts Council. “We are reinventing ourselves,” Gold said. “We are still trying to figure out where we should fit in.”
Can anyone expand on what’s going on with the arts council?
I received an email from AAAC today. Yes, they will be moving.
I guess either nobody knows anything or nobody cares? I’m curious too.