This expansion is a continuation of Lamplight’s Recover, Remain, & Thrive Program, created in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This program enables artists to recover, remain in the area, and continue to create work that inspires our community. It is also a commitment to supporting the broader creative community in Asheville through space-making, programming, and artist-first values. 

The building was recently purchased by Emily and Adam McDaniel, who are committed to helping address the long-standing lack of affordable workspaces for artists in Asheville - an issue that has impacted the city’s creative community for years.Lamplight AVL will be renting a portion of the space to provide at least four artist’s studios that are priced below market value. The artists’ studios will be the heart of the new space and are designed to be affordable and community-minded. Market-rate rentals within the building are part of helping to ensure long-term sustainability for affordable artist’s spaces. In addition, a portion of the building will become a community- funded, arts-forward event space focused on public programming and cultural engagement. 

Lamplight imagines the facility as more than just a workspace. 2 Westwood is being designed as a third space for Asheville’s creative community that will host open studios, shows, music, workshops, and other arts-centered programming. Artists will not only use the space to create work, but will also engage the community through hands-on programming and events. 

Applications for the artist studios are expected to open in late 2025, with studios estimated to open early next year. A larger community event space, focused on programming and public arts engagement, is anticipated to open later in 2026. 

This project and its long-term sustainability depend on community support. Fundraising efforts will directly support the operation of the space and the development of the community event venue - helping to keep artist studios affordable and making inclusive, public arts programming possible. Every contribution, big or small, goes directly toward creating a space where artists and the Asheville community can thrive together.