The Big Crafty Tickets

The Big Crafty is an annual art and craft fair held in Asheville, North Carolina that attracts makers and artisans from all over the country. While the event is typically associated with handmade goods and unique creations, it has also played a significant role in supporting local theater productions.

Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, particularly in theater, where there are numerous small companies producing innovative and thought-provoking plays. However, many of these companies struggle to afford the costs associated with renting performance spaces, buying supplies, and paying actors.

Enter The Big Crafty. Since its inception in 2006, this event has generated significant revenue for local artists and small businesses, but it has also contributed to the city's cultural landscape by donating a portion of its proceeds to local theater companies.

For example, in 2019, The Big Crafty donated $1,000 to The Magnetic Theatre, a non-profit company that produces contemporary plays in Asheville. This contribution came at a much-needed time for the theater, which had recently lost its lease and was struggling to find a new home.

In addition to financial support, The Big Crafty also offers exposure and networking opportunities for local theater companies. Many theaters set up booths or distribute flyers at the event, allowing them to connect with potential audience members and donors.

Furthermore, The Big Crafty embodies the same spirit of creativity and ingenuity that is essential to theatrical productions. Just as theater requires performers and designers to collaborate and innovate, The Big Crafty brings together makers from various disciplines to create something truly unique.

In this way, The Big Crafty and theater share a common thread: the belief in the power of art to bring people together and enrich our lives. By supporting both the visual and performing arts, events like The Big Crafty help ensure that their communities remain vibrant and flourishing.