Summit Description: Asheville is growing fast, in particular its music scene, and has garnered national attention from media and tourists alike in recent years. This rapid development has spurred many in the creative sector to wonder how we can ensure the social and cultural capital of our community keeps its unique and powerful draw while also increasing support for it. The Economic Development Coalition and many music partners collaborated on a study measuring the impact of the music industry on the local economy. Their findings were astounding, and indicated that Buncombe County’s music industry grew 52 percent from 2010-2016. The Asheville Area Arts Council’s 8th annual Creative Sector Summit, presented by Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, will feature keynote speaker Bob Boilen, several panels made up of locals who will discuss the economic impact case study of the Asheville music industry along with new collaborative initiatives to expand data on arts and culture to better understand and advocate for the creative sector of Buncombe County. Event Schedule: 9:00 – 9:25 am  |  Welcome & Introductions 9:25 – 10:30 am |  Keynote Speaker, Bob Boilen  Bob Boilen, creator and host of NPR’s All Songs Considered and Tiny Desk Concert. Boilen will bring his stories and viewpoint as a journalist and artist on the music industry and the opportunities and challenges Asheville might expect as its music scene explodes. 10:30 – 10:50 am  |  Coffee Break 10:50 am – 12:30 pm  |  A Composition of the Local Music Scene Ashevillle’s music scene has received an enormous amount of national attention over the last few years. Along with our area’s beauty and wider arts and cultural scene, the music of our region draws visitors from near and far to spend their dollars in our community creating a huge economic impact. This panel made up of locals who work in various areas of Asheville’s music scene will explore the cadence of our musical landscape, including efforts and connections underway, discuss the needs that exist, and offer ideas of what we can work towards. Moderated by Matt Peiken, Arts & Culture Producer, Blue Ridge Public Radio Panelists: Ehren Cruz, Performing Arts Director, LEAF; Danielle Dror, Artist Manager & Consultant, Sabra Music; Andrew Fletcher, Musician and Advocate; Kelly Kelbel & Tony Rolando, Make Noise; Jeff Santiago, Operations Manager, The Orange Peel 1:30 – 2:30 pm  |  Understand Your Impact on the Local Economy The arts are a huge part of our community, but only recently have we begun to acquire the tools to illustrate how important they are to Buncombe County’s economic impact. Panelists from AAAC, Center for Craft, City of Asheville, Asheville Chamber of Commerce, and the River Arts District will discuss economic data encompassing the music industry, the need for living and work space for area artists, and the vitality of our non-profit and for-profit art and culture industries.  Learn about what has been done to measure the impact of the arts, what is planned, and how you can help shape the use of this data. Featuring: Stephanie Monson Dahl, Strategic Development Office Director, City of Asheville; Stefanie Gerber Darr, Executive Director, Asheville Area Arts Council; Mike Marcus, Assistant Director, The Center for Craft; Heidi Reiber, Director of Research, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce – Economic Development Coalition; Wendy Whitson, River Arts District Artists; Janelle Wienke, Grants Manager, Asheville Area Arts Council 2:30 – 4:00 pm  | Resource Happy Hour at 14 Riverside Drive 3:00 & 4:00 pm | Explore the Hidden Assets of the River Arts District (optional) $5 for members, and $10 for non-members The River Arts District is home to over 200 artists in working studios throughout 22 former industrial and historical buildings spread out along one mile of the French Broad River. The birth of the River Arts District began in 1985 and has continually grown ever since, including the current re-development in the District by the City of Asheville, which is scheduled for completion in 2020. Join this optional tour to hear its history, learn about some of its hidden assets, and why the City is focusing on re-developing this essential part of our community. For questions or more information, contact Asheville Area Arts Council at 828.258.0710 or email info@ashevillearts.com.