Our Commitment to Being an Anti-Racist Institution

Asheville Creative Arts was founded to challenge young people to imagine new ways of being, and to practice seeing the humanity in one another. We believe that as artists and cultural workers, we have a responsibility to help build a world where Black lives matter.

Although we have intentionally structured ACA’s operating model to deemphasize hierarchy in order to better share power, this is but one of many anti-racism tactics our institution must employ. We commit to continuing to make space and uplift the voices of the artists and arts administrators from communities of culture already part of the ACA Family, and those who will join in the future. We acknowledge we won’t always be successful, but we commit to the ongoing work of learning knowing that not just our artistic work but our administrative practices must continue to model for the next generation how to build a better world.

Mission and History

With work called “Excellent!” by the Mountain Xpress, and “Dazzling!” by the Citizen Times, ACA is Asheville’s professional children’s theatre providing ground-breaking work to audiences of all ages. Recognizing its contributions to the cultural landscape, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer declared July 18, 2014 "Asheville Creative Arts Day," and work has been supported with awards from NC Arts Council / Asheville Area Arts Council, and Puffin Foundation West; the company is a not-for-profit theatre with following mission:

To produce, present and create professional and innovative live theatre for multigenerational, multiethnic and multidimensional audiences, during a mainstage season of productions of musicals, plays, literary and puppet based work that push the boundaries of the genre; to ensure that all children and families in Western North Carolina and beyond have access to theatre arts through outreach such as touring, acting classes, and “inreach” such as specially discounted performances for camp and community groups; and whenever possible, to employ environmentally sound practices in operations.

We use theater to reflect and elevate the communities we represent and serve, and as such we are committed to presenting the stories of all its participants.  Led by Daniele Martin, ACA's Resident Community Outreach Director, we are thrilled to partner with Hood Huggers and other community based organizations to build partnerships and pipelines to ensure that all are welcome.