BCTDA Hosted the Opening Reception for the Asheville Area Arts Council’s 2019 Creative Sector Summit at the YMI Cultural Center

How will Asheville tell an inclusive story of its history? Dina Bailey knows how telling truthful stories is often tied to ideas about voice, scope, agency, and power. That informed her work with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. Bailey helped kick-off the Creative Sector Summit by sharing lessons she has learned from communities, in the U.S. and around the world, who are working to tell more inclusive stories. Bailey is an independent consultant and CEO of Mountain Top Vision.

This presentation was sponsored by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority which dedicated support and resources to an inclusive community process that honors the rich heritage of Asheville’s African American community.

• Watch the Opening Reception:  Video Link
• Learn more about the BCTDA’s support of the African American Heritage Trail Project: TPDF 2018 Funding Announcement

Learn more about the Asheville Area Arts Council’s 9th Annual Creative Sector Summit

Through presentations, group panels, and open discussion, this conference highlighted local community leaders who examine the past, present, and future for a more equitable and representative arts community. These discussions helped attendees understand the challenges that underrepresented artists and cultural workers face, and explore innovative solutions for better collaboration between artists, arts organizations, and their audiences.