CAPC Executive Director Mike Maloney said last Wednesday he is “advertising hard right now” for the upcoming May Festival of the Arts (MFA). All his media resources are in play to get word out about the robust schedule.
Sandy Martin of the Arts Council told commissioners that a chalk art event would take place midweek in the parking lot on the south side of the courthouse, an opportunity for kids and professionals to display their chalk art talent. She said MFA would feature a variety of events at venues all over town. The schedule is available at eurekaspringsfestivalofthearts.com.
Maloney said information about MFA would be available at the Chamber of Commerce front desk and transit depots, as well as from all CAPC collectors.
Commissioners voted to award $1134 in marketing support funds to Eureka Springs School of the Arts for promoting the Plein Art Festival scheduled for May 21-24 during MFA. Maloney said planners expect 200 people to come to town for the event, and activities will take place at various sites around the area.
Tightening up marketing request funding
Maloney mentioned the commission has been lax in following all requirements of its marketing support policy, saying guidelines implemented in 2010, before he was hired, stated recipients of marketing support are supposed to match the request amount with either their own funds or identifiable in-kind support. He pointed out some donees through the years have been given large amounts of support without any wherewithal to match it.
Maloney suggested the commission should implement the policy beginning in 2019 to give potential recipients a chance to prepare. Finance Director Rick Bright said staff would post a statement on the capc.biz site alerting anyone anticipating a funding request next year.
There will be other peculiarities to be worked out, according to Maloney, because much has changed since the guidelines were written, especially regarding the use of social media. He said he would bring his suggestions for updating the guidelines to the April 25 workshop.