The Global Meaningful Travel Map

YMI Cultural Center

YMI Cultural Center

Cultural exhibitions, performances, and community events honoring African American history while supporting artists, education, and community gathering.

OUR EXPERIENCES

The YMI Cultural Center offers cultural arts programming, exhibitions, performances, and community events that celebrate African American history, heritage, and creative expression. Travelers can experience engaging exhibits, live music and spoken word, educational workshops, and a vibrant community hub.

The Center also offers event and conference space rentals for meetings, celebrations, and special gatherings, along with volunteer opportunities supporting programs and cultural preservation.

ABOUT US

The YMI Cultural Center’s mission is to empower the Black community to celebrate its rich cultural heritage through programs that preserve and promote African American arts and traditions with a commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Its vision is to unite diverse collectives to elevate the richness of Black culture while fostering authentic appreciation of Black heritage.

IMPACT

The YMI Cultural Center creates lasting social, cultural, and educational impact as a community-centered organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history, arts, and culture in Western North Carolina. Through mission-driven governance, YMI reinvests resources into programming, supports Black artists and entrepreneurs through paid opportunities and space access, and stewards a historic landmark rooted in Black leadership and resilience.

YMI’s impact is demonstrated through year-round programming and signature events that engage thousands of residents and visitors annually, strengthening cultural tourism and supporting local creatives and small businesses. Educational impact is delivered through exhibitions, workshops, lectures, youth programs, and partnerships with schools and universities, helping visitors and volunteers gain a deeper understanding of Asheville’s Black history and cultural legacy.

DETAILS

To learn more, contact: info@ymiculturalcenter.org

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
5–50

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
No

Do you have group rates?
Yes

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
No

What languages do you offer your services in?
English

When are you open?
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closing times may vary based on events)

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
The YMI Cultural Center offers step-free access to key areas, an on-site elevator and lift, accessible restrooms, flexible seating for events, and staff support to assist guests with mobility or other access needs.