ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A massive new arts facility could be coming soon to the River Arts District. The RAD Creative Campus, a 36,000 square foot, two-building center for working artists, cultural activation and community engagement, is now in the works, officials say.
Creating a space by artists, for artists
The RADA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to support and advocate RAD artists through scholarship opportunities, the development of shared spaces and other forms of technical assistance. The mission of RADA Foundation only grew in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, which devastated the RAD in September 2024, destroying artwork and studio space for many working artists.
“It wasn’t just about support for the artists that lost their studios. A lot of the artists that didn’t lose their studios were losing their sales,” said Kimberly Self Hundertmark, RADA Foundation executive director. “We’re still probably 30-50% down in sales, depending on the artist.”
The RAD Creative Campus was developed by RADA Foundation as a permanent home for RAD artists. Very few buildings in the district are owned by their creative tenants. Hundertmark explained that the RAD Creative Campus is designed to be a RAD location owned by artists, for artists…