Arts Council Accepting Tourism Marketing Initiative Grant Applications

The Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is currently accepting applications for the 2013 Tourism Marketing Initiative Grant.  This year the Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau appropriated $45,000 to distribute for special projects and events staged in Calcasieu Parish. The Tourism Marketing Initiative Grants Program works to initiate and sustain the growth of cultural tourism in Calcasieu Parish.

As well as greatly improving the quality of life for the parish residents, one of the grant’s main goals is to ensure the stabilization of arts and humanities organizations through increased attendance and engagement of community members in local projects. The grant specifically funds the necessary marketing tools for local artists, organizations, and events.

Last year, a total of eighteen organizations in Calcasieu Parish were awarded funding, including Bayou Writers Group; Louisiana Theatre Festival by The Children’s Theatre; Lake Charles Symphony; Louisiana Choral Foundation; Mardi Gras Museum; Bulber Youth Orchestra; Common Ground; and Artists Civic Theatre & Studio (ACTS) just to name a few.

Applicants may submit one request, not to exceed $2,000 per year. All projects must take place between June 15, 2012 and June 14, 2013. It is important to note applicants compete only with other organizations in Calcasieu Parish, so decisions about cultural priorities are made locally.  

Applications may be obtained at www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org or in the Arts and Humanities Council office, located at 809 Kirby Street, Suite 202 in Lake Charles.  The deadline to apply is May 4, 2012.

For more information on this grant or other grant related opportunities, contact the Arts and Humanities Council at (337) 439-2787.