Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
See the press release below.
Dear Asheville,
It’s with a heavy heart that we must tell you the Arts 2 People board has decided not to move forward with LAAF 2016. We hope to take the next year to work towards the new vision and mission of the festival. We will keep you updated as we work with our partners to uphold LAAFs mission of supporting the local arts community through smaller events in 2016.
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LAAF or The Living Asheville Arts Festival (formerly known as Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival) will be taking a year off from producing Asheville’s all local downtown festival in 2016. This is being done as an opportunity to refocus efforts on the non-profit parent organization Arts2People (A2P) to ensure LAAF and our grant recipients are receiving the organization’s full support.
Unlike the financial challenges endured by LAAFF in 2011-2012, A2P is very pleased to note that the past 2 years of LAAFF were successful in not only covering expenses but raising funds for A2P to further its mission of promoting the arts and creative culture. This includes thousands of dollars in grants provided to the Ooh La La Curiosity Market, Fox & Beggar Theater, The Authentic Communities Summit, the Venture Local Fair, and the Foundation Spot skateable art park.
LAAF’s parent organization, Arts 2 People, is seeking support from the community in the form of event sponsors and partners, volunteers, and experienced festival staff who wish to help ensure that LAAF will take place in 2017.
Arts 2 People will hold a series of community forums on Lexington Avenue in the Fall of 2016 to explore possibilities of a revived event, and to receive applications from potential new board members. Stay in touch via the LAAF Facebook page.
