Important Details for LEAF Festival Ticket Holders: 

• Per our ticket policy, as a Non-Profit, LEAF is not able to process refunds. Your understanding is deeply appreciated during this very challenging and unprecedented event. All May Tickets, Vehicle Camping, Cabin Rentals & WeX (Work Exchange) applications will automatically transfer into October 2020 Tickets by 3/31. Yet if this does not work for you, we have 3 options:

  1. Receive Credit for a future event per our credit policy (Note: All standard fees will be waived). Your LEAF Credit will be valid for 3 years, and may be transferred to another person. Email: [email protected] your LEAF credit request.

  2. As a non-profit organization, LEAF Membership is the KEY to supporting over 12,000 youth globally through our Cultural Arts Education programs. Please consider having your ticket purchase go towards becoming a LEAF Member or elevating your current membership. Email: Jordan at [email protected]

  3. Make your ticket into a tax-deductible donation. The loss of the Spring Festival major event will have a tremendous financial impact on the LEAF Global Arts Organization. It is essential for a significant portion of our operations, and unfortunately our longtime secure Rainy Day Fund had to be put into action.  Donations will be key to ensuring the long term sustainability of our organization. LEAF is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Email: Jordan at [email protected]

Important Details for LEAF Festival Ticket Holders:

• We have adjusted our traditional WeX (formerly Volunteer) Application Policy. We will transfer all current Spring Festival Applications to this year’s Fall Festival. We will reach back out in June to reconfirm schedules and availability. *IF* you are not able to attend this year’s Fall Festival, October 22-25, you may transfer your application fee to either of the 2021 Festivals by emailing [email protected].

When the world settles, we will stay in touch to let you know when the LEAF Global Arts experience will reopen downtown, and when LEAF Schools & Streets classes and workshops are able to resume (the kids and parents will be ready!). LEAF International programs are each following the protocol of their country. In this time of uncertainty, especially for artists, LEAF has taken the extraordinary step of committing to paying hourly LEAF teaching artists and International Culture Keepers, and creating opportunities that they can make up any loss of income during the coronavirus school and center shutdown. In this crucial time, LEAF Membership and Endowment allows us to make this important commitment for the team that is directly working with the youth who are the future Global Citizens. LEAF Teaching Artists and International Culture Keepers are essential in carrying out the mission of LEAF Global Arts in our neighborhood and across the world. Any additional donations to support this commitment are most welcome.

A History of Classical Music
Brought to you by The Kennedy Center
Follow the development and impact of classical music in the U.S.

During these unprecedented times of necessary physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 the Asheville Area Arts Council recognizes the continued need for connection. This video interview series is a way to connect, support each other, and eventually archive this moment during a global pandemic. How are artists, musicians, actors, and makers surviving (and sometimes thriving) right now? The answers are as varied as the forms of expression present in our community.

We would like to reflect on the diversity of our community in this series, so if you would like to nominate someone for us to interview please email [email protected].

As coronavirus restrictions are loosened, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen to drivers as soon as “seasonal mowing and road preparations” are complete, according to a release from parkway spokeswoman Leesa Brandon.

On May 9, the southernmost 14 miles of the Parkway, from Milepost 454-469, will reopen in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gates to longer stretches of the Parkway will be opened May 15 — as long as maintenance projects in that area are completed:

• Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot.
• Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct.
• Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads.
• Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland.
• Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens.
• Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access.
• Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps.
• Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap.

Aired on May 8, 2020

Learning about resources, keeping our community strong, and the real talk of COVID-19 in our community. These were the topics discussed on the recent program, “Bridging Culture & Health in the Midst of COVID-19,” a radio town hall recently hosted by WRES-LP 100.7FM in Asheville. Ample evidence shows that on the national level, the alarming rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths are disproportionate in black and brown communities. This can be avoided at the Buncombe County level if we take action now, we can limit exposure and reduce our vulnerabilities. Together, we have the power to reduce the disparate impacts of the pandemic in Buncombe County by mobilizing in collective action.

On hand for the discussion were pillars for our community in health, education, community resources, and family support, providing essential, real information on the realities of COVID-19 in our community and the importance of our roles in keeping our friends and families safe.

We encourage you to listen to the important topics of discussion, including:

• Faith and spiritual connections in a COVID-19 world.
• Economic/financial resources for health.
• African American risk factors, mental health, and clinical access.
• Community norms and culture.
• Supporting youth, continuity in student learning.
• Local ordinances to support community, and limit exposure and vulnerability.

COVID-19 has led to local youth sports leagues canceling spring and summer schedules due to physical distancing and mass gathering limitations. Buncombe County’s Independence Day celebration at Lake Julian Park has also been scrapped this year under the same guidance. All other local municipalities have also canceled or rescheduled their annual Independence Day festivals.

1. Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure.
2. Disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 external icon can also help reduce the risk. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important.
3. When EPA-approved disinfectants external icon are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together. This can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.

“We are heartbroken to have to make this decision,” said producing artistic director Lisa K. Bryant. “With state-mandated limitations on gathering sizes for the foreseeable future, as well as recent information that union rules for actors returning to work may not even be issued until summer, it is now clear we cannot reopen in mid-July as we had hoped. The right decision for the long-term health of the Playhouse and for our patrons is to move the entire 2020 season to 2021.” This decision was ratified unanimously by the Playhouse Board of Trustees.

Statistics in Schools provides more than 100 activities that you can use in any year—and whenever you have a new class—to enhance and invigorate learning in many subjects. These activities are all free, and they’re easy to access and use.

• Pick a subject or grade level to see what activities are available, and get details such as learning objectives, relevant topics, and skills taught.
• Select and download the activities you want.
• All activities include a list of materials, a student worksheet, and teacher directions.

The Craft Futures Fund will fund up to $30,000 each month from May 2020 – October 2020 to support craft-based education projects. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that envision and build new futures for craft.

Unlike most businesses that can just turn their lights on when the pandemic is over, restaurants face fundamentally different problems. In order for independent restaurants to serve communities again and assist in reigniting the economy, they need critical support from the federal government.

We’re asking Congress to establish the Independent Restaurant Stabilization Fund to ensure restaurants will receive the necessary capital to reopen and stay open.

What can you do to help? We are asking you – our customers, community, friends and family,  to share our story. You can help #SaveRestaurants