Thursday, March 8, 2012

Tourism Marketing Initiative Grant Available

Though our strong partnership with the Lake Charles/SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau we are able to present the Tourism Marketing Initiative grant program each year. This grant is designed to assist non-profit arts and cultural organizations in Calcasieu parish with marketing tools for creative endeavors in the area. 

With strong marketing strategies, the festivals, fairs, arts education programs, concerts, and performances that represent our Southwest Louisiana cultural heritage play a direct role in bolstering tourism to the area. Tourism comprises a large part of our state's economy, and by investing in the tools and means to boost attendance to arts events, we can better not only our quality of life but also the economic impact the arts and tourism have locally.

Qualifying arts and cultural organizations are able to apply for up to $2,000, and the funds can be used toward increasing and diversifying audiences for arts and cultural events through website development, billboards, brochures, press kits, radio and TV commercials, print ads, etc. 

All interested parties are encouraged to contact our grant administrator Jackie Dowden at (337) 439-2787 for further info and to visit www.artsandhumanitiesswla.org to download the guidelines and application. Grant applications are due Friday, March 4th, in the Arts Council office.