Pathways into the Arts Economy
Artways: Asheville is a RADA Foundation project in partnership with Asheville Poverty Initiative.
This is more than an exhibition. It is a pathway into the arts economy: a multi-year workforce development initiative designed to connect artists to real opportunities for income, visibility, and long-term participation in Asheville's creative economy.
Through hands-on learning, professional development, mentorship, and direct market access, Artways: Asheville helps artists build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to grow sustainable creative careers. The River Arts District has long been home to one of the nation's most vibrant creative communities. Artways: Asheville extends that legacy by removing barriers, creating opportunity, and welcoming more artists into Asheville's creative economy.
THE PROGRAM + HOW IT WORKS
Artways: Asheville is designed as a step-by-step experience that combines artistic growth with professional development.
Learn + Create
Artists participate in workshops led by established River Arts District artists, exploring new techniques, materials, and creative practices while strengthening their artistic voice.
Build Professional Skills
Through workshops led by Mountain BizWorks and experienced River Arts District artists, participants learn how to price their work, present themselves professionally, market their work, and confidently engage with collectors and buyers.
Exhibit + Sell Work
Throughout the program, artists participate in a series of public exhibitions designed to build confidence, increase visibility, and create opportunities for artwork sales.
Summer Exhibition
We Were Always Here
The inaugural Artways: Asheville exhibition celebrates artists whose creativity has always been part of our community. Their work, stories, and perspectives deserve to be seen, experienced, and collected.
Winter Exhibition
A new exhibition exploring each artist's continued creative growth and expanding professional practice.
Closing Exhibition
A culminating exhibition celebrating each artist's artistic journey, accomplishments, and future within Asheville's creative community.
Continue the Journey
Between exhibitions, participating artists may display work in the RAD Welcome Center, creating ongoing visibility, sales opportunities, and connections with collectors, visitors, and the community throughout the year.
PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE
Six hands-on workshops focused on both art and business
Materials provided for each workshop
A $100 artist materials grant
Access to classroom and creative workspace throughout the program
One-on-one support for social media and artist development
Opportunities to exhibit and sell their work
Ongoing exhibition opportunities throughout the program
Continued visibility within the River Arts District
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Membership to River Arts District Artists (RADA)
Access to a network of more than 500 working artists
Marketing and promotional support
A personal artist profile on the RADA website
Opportunities to participate in exhibitions, events, and art markets
Eligibility for grants, scholarships, tent grants, and additional artist opportunities
DEBUT EXHIBITION OPENING:
We Were Always Here
The Inaugural Artways: Asheville Exhibition
Friday, July 10, 2026
RAD Welcome Center at RAD Rendezvous
87 Roberts Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Opening Reception: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Panel Discussion : 6:00 PM
FREE and open to the public.
WHY ARTWAYS: ASHEVILLE
Many artist support programs stop at visibility.
Artways: Asheville goes further by connecting visibility directly to opportunity, professional development, and economic participation.
By placing artists within an active marketplace while surrounding them with education, mentorship, and community, the program helps participants build sustainable creative careers while strengthening Asheville's creative economy.
IMPACT
Artways: Asheville is designed to:
Generate real income through artwork sales
Expand access to exhibitions, markets, and professional opportunities
Build confidence and professional readiness
Connect artists with collectors, patrons, and the broader community
Support long-term participation within the River Arts District
Cultivate future exhibitors, educators, collaborators, renters, class participants, creative leaders, and community members who strengthen the River Arts District ecosystem
FUTURE
Artways: Asheville is designed as a scalable workforce development initiative that grows alongside the creative community. Future expansion may include:
Supporting more artists across Western North Carolina
Additional exhibitions, workshops, and public programs
Expanded mentorship and artist leadership opportunities
New partnerships with arts organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and workforce development agencies
Stronger pathways into teaching, entrepreneurship, studio rentals, and long-term participation in the River Arts District
GET INVOLVED
Artways: Asheville is building new pathways into the arts economy while strengthening Asheville's creative community. Whether you're an artist, collector, donor, business, or community partner, you can help create meaningful opportunities for artists to thrive.
Together, we're investing in artists, expanding access, and building a stronger, more inclusive River Arts District.