Hurricanes Hit the Canvas: Southern Artists Rebuild with Community Power
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Southern arts scene faces a challenge that’s more than just weathering the storm. Atlanta’s South Arts has launched the Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund, targeting immediate aid for artists across the battered region. North Carolina, especially Asheville’s River Arts District, saw art spaces nearly wiped out—about 80% of its creative hubs damaged or destroyed.
The relief effort stretches across six states, with grants starting at $500, aiming to help artists from Florida to Virginia get back on their feet. South Arts isn’t working alone; a network of partners, from Alternate ROOTS to the National Performance Network, is pooling resources and expertise. In North Carolina, local groups like Arts AVL are taking the lead on distributing support.
Every donation to the fund goes straight to artists in FEMA-designated disaster zones, reinforcing the idea that art—and those who create it—are essential threads in the fabric of Southern recovery. Sometimes, rebuilding culture means more than restoring buildings; it’s about reigniting the creative spark.
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