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Asheville takes definitive steps toward realizing a new large-scale arts and entertainment facility.\u00a0 The City of Asheville has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with <\/span>ATG Entertainment<\/span><\/a> (ATG) for predevelopment work to create a public-private facility. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, ATG operates or programs 72 venues throughout the world, 23 of which are spread across eight markets in the United States, highlighted by seven venues on Broadway.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Made possible<\/span> through a public-private partnership,<\/span><\/a> the <\/span>MOU<\/span><\/a> allows forward movement on a community asset residents have supported for years. Commitment to a rigorous due diligence process through this predevelopment phase creates an unprecedented opportunity for the City of Asheville, ATG, and our other partners, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA), ArtsAVL, and the Asheville Symphony, to make this community vision a reality.<\/span><\/p>\n The MOU has been executed, and work has begun. It does not commit the City or Asheville or ATG to funding the construction of an arts and entertainment facility, but allows partners to work together and start negotiations for a long-term agreement to run the facility, if the project goes forward.<\/span><\/p>\n Unprecedented opportunity through private support and disaster supplemental grants: This exploratory partnership of the predevelopment phase is being funded by both ATG and the City, with the City\u2019s maximum contribution set at $60,000. ArtsAVL, the designated nonprofit arts agency for Buncombe County, will help evaluate the potential community and cultural benefits of such a facility as part of the ongoing Arts Recovery Plan<\/a>, a project conducted by Lord Cultural Resources for ArtsAVL.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLarge events that bring together both visitors and residents have become an important part of Asheville\u2019s recovery, not just economically, but as a way to reconnect our community,\u201d said Mayor Esther Manheimer. \u201cA new performing arts and entertainment space has the potential to support our vibrant creative culture, uplift local businesses, and create good jobs for people across the region. This partnership gives the City an opportunity to thoughtfully explore a public-private project that could honor Asheville\u2019s <\/span>unique character while helping shape a more inclusive and resilient future for all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Potential beyond exploration: \u00a0\u201cWe are delighted for the opportunity to better explore the Asheville market in conjunction with the City of Asheville, ArtsAVL, and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to determine if Asheville will be added to our growing portfolio,\u201d\u00a0 said Lori Hotz, CEO of ATG Entertainment North America.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cRecently, the Tourism Development Authority identified several types of projects to be prioritized in future grant cycles based on both community benefit and return on investment, including a new large entertainment and arts facility, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and family-friendly experiences,\u201c said Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville and the BCTDA. \u201cOur commitment is to invest in projects that serve residents and visitors alike, strengthening Buncombe County\u2019s quality of life while supporting the long-term vitality of our local economy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Explore Asheville, ArtsAVL, and the Asheville Symphony will assist the City and ATG with data collection and stakeholder engagement to gather information relevant to any City grant applications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAs Asheville considers the future of its arts and entertainment infrastructure, ArtsAVL is committed to ensuring that decisions are informed by the needs of our creative community and the lessons we are gathering through the Arts Recovery Plan. We look forward to engaging stakeholders in these important conversations,\u201d said Katie Cornell, Executive Director of\u00a0 ArtsAVL.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The City intends for this space to be utilized by residents, visitors, and community organizations.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Asheville Symphony is thrilled to support the City\u2019s exploration of a new, large-scale arts and entertainment facility,\u201d said Daniel Crupi, Executive Director of the Asheville Symphony. \u201cA privately managed venue of this kind would be a transformative asset for our entire community, welcoming residents and visitors alike, and providing a stage for a wide range of artistic voices and cultural experiences.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The City and ATG expect to receive the initial draft of the economic and cultural impact study to inform business plans and potential upcoming grant application cycles in 2025.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Upcoming engagement Background Visit our project page to learn more<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Explore our <\/b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/b>This MOU allows the City and ATG to collaborate on the planning and design of major capital projects. Initial work, managed in partnership by both ATG and the City, will include the creation of an economic and cultural impact study, business plan modeling, potential venue configurations, and audience experience designs. All steps will factor in federal funding opportunities such as\u00a0 <\/span>Economic Development Adminsitration (EDA)<\/span><\/a> grants under the <\/span>disaster recovery program<\/span><\/a>, which is a federal program offering grants to <\/span>support the restoration of economic activity and long-term economic growth in disaster-impacted communities and regions.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>In addition to support provided in the predevelopment phase, ATG will work with the City of Asheville to create a long-term, financially sustainable model for the operation of the City-owned facility with a private management or lease agreement with the operator \u2013 ATG.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>Significant public engagement and stakeholder input have been collected over many years regarding the needs and desires of the community for the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and a large arts and entertainment facility. This engagement will be updated as part of the predevelopment process. Opportunities for stakeholder and public engagement are forthcoming.\u00a0 To sign up for future updates and opportunities for input please sign up for our email list avaible on our project page.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
<\/b>Since receiving direction from the Asheville City Council in the fall of 2023, the Department of Community Regional & Entertainment Facilities staff have been working on potential options with scopes and estimates to bring back to the Asheville City Council for renovations of the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Throughout the process, the design team, Earl Swenson & Associates (ESA), and other third-party consultants encouraged staff not to rule out the possibility of a new build due to the potential total project budget. ArtsAVL convened a group of stakeholders to meet periodically beginning in October 2023.\u00a0 The group has brought in numerous third-party advisors throughout the process, all at no cost to the City. In each case, it was recommended to examine a new build project rather than a renovation of the auditorium. Throughout this timeframe, staff re-ignited a previous conversation with ATG, which led to a discussion of a predevelopment agreement and the execution of the MOU announced today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n