written by
Scott Power

Rebuilding Asheville After Hurricane Helene [Podcast]

Podcast 3 min read

How can Asheville’s artists rebuild after Hurricane Helene? In this heartfelt episode, host and NOT REAL ART founder Scott “Sourdough” Power sheds light on the creative community in Asheville, North Carolina, in the aftermath of the tropical storm. With over 300 artists displaced and studios destroyed in Asheville’s River Arts District, Scott reflects on the unique cultural and creative legacy now at risk. Asheville, a region known for its rich artistic history and thriving arts community, now faces an uncertain future as rising rents and gentrification threaten the survival of that community.

Since the hurricane, our sister organization, the Asheville-based arts media organization ArtsvilleUSA, has worked tirelessly to highlight community needs and keep their stories alive. Working with local artists and creative leaders, they aim to assist displaced artists, preserve Asheville’s creative spirit, and provide a platform for community stories to unfold. Tune in to our episode on rebuilding Asheville to learn how you can help support its vibrant arts community in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Listen to last week’s episode with Asheville-based photographer Michael Freas or read ArtsvilleUSA’s report on flooding in the River Arts District.

Key Points From This Episode:

  • The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville, North Carolina
  • Asheville’s creative community and its historical legacy
  • Why none of us are safe from the effects of climate change
  • The River Arts District in Asheville and the hundreds of artists who have been displaced
  • Why Asheville won’t be the same without its arts and culture
  • What it will take for the artists and the area to bounce back
  • The destruction that remains when the media moves on.
  • Details about Artsville USA and their work as a non-profit.
  • How to support artists in this region who have been impacted

Quotes:

“The artists aren't making art and craft anymore because they're completely wiped out, and they're trying to rebuild, and they're just looking for the basic needs of shelter and water and food and money.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [0:07:11]

“These artists are counting on you and me to help them rebuild, get the word out, and raise money. The mass media has already forgotten the story. And it's going to take years for this area to come back.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [0:10:02]

“Without arts and culture, Asheville will not be the same.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [0:12:14]

“We have to do what we can do to make sure that these artists are not forgotten and the story is not forgotten.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [0:12:25]

Longer Quotes:

“Artists and people living in Asheville were already battling gentrification and rising rents. It was difficult even before the hurricane, but there was a lot of hope. But now that everything has been wiped out, it's inevitable that developers and big money will come in to try to rebuild. And, of course, that will come with much higher prices for rents and cost of living. Artists will be unable to afford to live there, and they will be displaced. And so gentrification is a real threat as they rebuild and as developers come in.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [0:10:28]

“Can Asheville maintain its integrity as a cultural hub and artistic destination? And can Asheville maintain the values of the ethos that made it so special, unique, and beloved in the hearts and minds of people? Artists and craftspeople did that. Artists and craftspeople made Asheville and Western North Carolina so unique and special, and those people, those artists, have been completely decimated and wiped out.” — Scott “Sourdough” Power [0:11:08]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Episode 281: Michael Freas — https://notrealart.com/photographer-michael-freas

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

ArtsvilleUSA — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/

Arterial — https://arterial.org/home/

NOT REAL ART — https://www.notrealart.com/

First Friday Exhibitions — https://notrealart.com/exhibitions/

Remote Video Series – https://notrealart.com/remote-exploring-public-art/

NOT REAL ART Hotline — 833-668-7325

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/