What are the Inner Banks?

Here’s a short list of some of the things we enjoy here in North Carolina’s Inner Banks. Over 20,000 square miles of lush landscape—three times the size of New Jersey Approximately 3,000 miles of largely undeveloped inland coastline (the Inner Banks)
Inexpensive real estate, relative to many markets, Temperate climate, Friendly people, Pristine rivers, Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Excellent fishing, Two deep water ports, State Ferry System, 29-county hospital network of University Health Systems, 36 universities, colleges and community colleges.
ready to move? we can help see our migration aid page.

Where we came from, where we are going......

IBXarts, Promoting Independent Artist of the InnerBanks

Why this site, Why the brand?
 Let me introduce myself, my name is Tom Kilian, I'm an artist living in Tyrrell County N.C. Our County along with others between I-95 and the Outer Banks has recently been referred to as the Inner Banks by news agencies, developers politicians and natives. Just as the Outer Banks adopted the fashionable auto oval of Europe, the IBX logo was borrowed from the Outer Banks.  The designation "IBX" seem to come right after major road upgrades linking more "Down East" communities together. Ironically "Down East" used to be reserved to Beaufort and Carteret Counties, so it goes to show that our area has not really "jelled" a designation.
 Is "IBX ARTS" an Official brand?
After a workshop held by the Foundation of Renewal for Eastern North Carolina in Late February of 2008, It became clear that artist of the Innerbanks need to be forward thinking if our traditions and heritage will carry on through the years, however, what is needed is a venue that would promote and showcase the work of other independent "IBX" artist, and foster the Inner Banks art economy. IBX ARTS.org is a guide  to find IBX art and wares, as well as an opportunity for galleries that show local artist.
Doesn't the term "InnerBanks" destroy the culture it seeks to preserve?
 
Consider if you were an artist living in Sparta N.C.  - You would be a part of "Alleghany Arts & Crafts", which is also branded "New River Arts and Crafts", your work would be designated "Handmade and Home Grown", and you live as a member of the "High County". Does it sound like a "Spartans" have an identity crisis? , not really, they have found what is unique to them, their identity is part and parcel of where they live, what they do, whose child they were, what they believe, what they aspire to become and what they offer to the world. -..... IBX is only a simple anachronism to describe the soil (or water) we live upon.
 
An Invitation. ...
Are you an Artist living on the Inner Banks? If yes, then you already are an IBX Artist. Contact us and we will post your web link.  Are you an organization or gallery within the Inner Banks that display local art, supporting the local artist, well then, your invited to send your link in as well. Holding an event that supports IBX Arts? - Tell us about it! contact here

The Value of a Workshop

The Inner Banks (IBX) began a quest to create an artistic economy on Friday, February 29, 2008. The Foundation of Renewal for Eastern North Carolina (FoR ENC) hosted a workshop entitled "Creating an Artistic Economy" at the Imperial Centre in Rocky Mount, NC. Keynote Speaker Becky Anderson of Handmade in America spoke on the economic decline of western region in the 1970s and 1980s and the region's incredible rebound after Ms. Anderson and her colleagues created a thriving new industry by tapping into an overlooked asset, the artistic heritage of the region. After organizing WNC's artists and craftspersons as entrepreneurs, Handmade in America grew the business to the point that it now contributes over $122 million to the economy of western North Carolina. At the FoR ENC workshop, panelists and facilitators included leading artists and arts professionals in ceramics, enameling, jewelry design, painting, furniture making, music, film making and education. Also present were community leaders, citizens, and merchants from Eastern North Carolina, including those looking to identify and cultivate their artists crafts communities.  Frank Dooley of FoR ENC expanded on the workshop to encourage communities to identify their "found objects," the people who create the art that makes the Inner Banks distinctive and unique. As quilters, potters and chair makers have been found to be assets of the NC mountains, so too boat builders, net makers, and woodcarvers--in addition to traditional arts and crafts makers--may become some of the many artistic "assets" of the Inner Banks. (Picture- Becky Anderson presenting a banner with each western NC towns logo affixed, symbolizing that solidarity between communities is essential to economic success in rural North Carolina.)

IBXarts FEST 2010

The first IBXarts Fest will be May 29th 2010,
more info here!