The River Arts District has been named Best Arts District in the United States in the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The annual awards highlight top destinations across the country, with winners determined by a nationwide public vote. The River Arts District stood out among arts communities across the United States for its concentration of working artists, accessible studio spaces, and immersive visitor experiences.

Located along the French Broad River in Asheville, the River Arts District is home to hundreds of artists working across disciplines including painting, ceramics, glass, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Visitors can meet artists in their studios, watch live demonstrations, and purchase original artwork directly from its creators.

“This recognition belongs to the artists of the River Arts District and to our community that refused to let disaster define it,” said River Arts District Artists (RADA) President Jeffrey Burroughs. “After Hurricane Helene, our studios were flooded, our tools were lost, and our livelihoods were shaken. What followed was not retreat, but resolve. Artists showed up for one another. Neighbors showed up. Volunteers, collectors, and supporters showed up.

“This number one ranking is not just about art. It is about resilience, collaboration, and the belief that creative communities matter. The River Arts District is more than a destination. It is a working ecosystem of makers, small businesses, and cultural leaders who have rebuilt together, and who continue to invest in each other’s success.

“We are deeply grateful, and we see this moment not as a finish line, but as momentum for what comes next.”

The award comes during an ongoing season of rebuilding and renewal following Hurricane Helene, which significantly impacted portions of the district. The national recognition affirms the River Arts District’s place as one of the country’s most vibrant creative destinations.

For more information about the River Arts District, upcoming events, and visiting hours, visit riverartsdistrict.com.

Source: River Arts District