Our Mission
Caravan Art Bazaar (CAB) is an artist-led and community-driven arts initiative founded in 2023 by Mike Talladen of Jungle Branch, who has organized art events, markets, and workshops since 2016. CAB seeks to disrupt art industry norms and challenge systemic barriers for BIPOC artists by providing free access to markets, exhibition spaces, and professional connections, ensuring artists can thrive within Asheville’s creative economy.
CAB is deeply collaborative and aims to expand artist education, cooperative network structures, and year-round markets for sustained income. CAB is not just supporting artists - it is reshaping WNC's art economy to be more inclusive and equitable. Cross-pollinating partnerships between artists, businesses, and organizations helps expand networks and opportunities for artists, businesses, and art lovers alike.
CAB operates entirely on volunteer basis, relying on funding from donations or grants to support operational needs.
Caravan Art Bazaar
is focused on empowering, supporting, and uplifting BIPOC artists in WNC.
In September 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, further disrupting BIPOC artists’ already limited access to markets, studio space, and exhibition opportunities. Many lost materials, completed works, and creative workspaces, intensifying inequities in Asheville’s predominantly white art scene, where BIPOC artists have long struggled for visibility and economic stability.
While CAB does not ask artists to pay fees of any kind, some artists have participated in the Art4Aid program, donating a portion of their sales to various mutual aid initiatives, such as disaster relief in WNC via Grassroots AID Partnership.
In conjunction with other fundraising efforts such as events and raffles, CAB’s ART4AID program has helped raise over $13,500 in mutual aid funds!
