To:
Esther Manheimer <esthermanheimer@avlcouncil.com>,
Kim Roney <kimroney@avlcouncil.com>,
Antanette Mosley <antanettemosley@avlcouncil.com>,
DK Wesley <dkwesley@ashevillenc.gov>,
Sheneika Smith <sheneikasmith@avlcouncil.com>,
Sage Turner <sagesturner@gmail.com>,
Bo Hess <bohess@avlcouncil.com>,
Ben Woody <bwoody@ashevillenc.gov>
Dear Members of the Asheville City Council,
I am the Co-Founder of the non-profit organization Asheville Theater Alliance, as well as the Artistic Director of Attic Salt Theatre Company. I am writing to you today to ask that you NOT support the staff recommendation to make severe cuts to the City’s arts funding budgets, and specifically not institute the $25,000 cut to the AVL Arts Grants Program and the $98,000 reduction to the Holiday Event budget – both of which will have severe negative impacts on many of the Alliance members – both organizations and individuals, as well as the citizens of all of Western North Carolina.
The mission of the Asheville Theater Alliance is to unite, elevate, and amplify the vibrant performing arts community in Western North Carolina. We are dedicated to fostering a thriving, inclusive theater ecosystem that values collaboration over competition. By supporting local theaters, artists, and audiences, we create a network of shared resources, knowledge, and opportunities that strengthen the collective creative spirit. Through innovative, community-driven programs and strategic partnerships, Asheville Theater Alliance celebrates the power of collaboration to inspire and enrich lives, promotes cultural expression, and ensures the economic vitality of the region.
Together, the member organizations provide entertainment, tax revenue, economic activity and much more to our community. They participate in many events that would be in serious jeopardy if these cuts are implemented. All of these events celebrate diversity, heritage and creativity, with the added benefit of attracting locals and tourists to Asheville, where they spend money at restaurants, local shops, hotels and much more.
One must also consider the multiplier effect directly provided by these events and organizations. According to the Economic Contribution of Creative Industries in Buncombe County economic study, for every dollar of direct output from the Creative Sector, an additional $0.56 is generated locally, and each of the 9,203 Creative Sector jobs supports 0.61 additional jobs in industries such as tourism, hospitality, lodging and retail.
Again, on behalf of all of the organizational and individual members of the Asheville Theater Alliance, I am asking you to reject these cuts, which will only negatively impact our economy, yet not result in any significant savings. Rather, I ask you to continue supporting this crucial industry, which is among those still feeling the effects of Helene and also the COVID pandemic, along with massive cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts. Yet these professionals and organizations provide critical health, economic, and creativity benefits for all sectors of our community – from seniors to students to local businesses to mentally disabled and our Veterans.
One thing our organization has touted since our inception is that, without the arts and theater communities here, it would be difficult for Asheville to continue to be the Asheville that the country and the world has come to expect.
Thank you for your consideration and your leadership.
Jeff Catanese
President, Asheville Theater Alliance
jeff@ashevilletheateralliance.org
(828) 367-9387