Title
Consider/Discuss Tourism Grant Application Submitted by MillHouse Foundation in the Amount of $4,950 for the Advertising, Marketing and Promotion of the 2024 Season of MillHouse art-focused festivals and events.
Summary
MEETING DATE: November 28, 2023
DEPARTMENT: Visit McKinney
CONTACT: Aaron Werner, Visit McKinney Executive Director
ITEM SUMMARY:
• MillHouse Foundation is requesting $4,950 for the advertising, marketing and promotion of the organization’s 2024 Season of festivals and events. The events’ goals are to 1) increase exposure and economic opportunities for creative micro-business owners by hosting a minimum of one event per month at the McKinney Cotton Mill featuring local and regional creatives; and 2) attract visitors to MillHouse festivals and events to help generate hotel and sales tax dollars for the City of McKinney. The grants would help promote the following events:
o MillHouse Indoor Makers Markets, January 13, March 9, April 13, May 11, July 13, September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14, 2024
o Winter Indoor ArtFest, February 24-25, 2024
o Outdoor MuralFest, June 1-2, 2024
o Summer Indoor ArtFest, August 24-25, 2024
o International Postcard Art Exhibit, September 28, 2024
• Millhouse would use the grant funds to help promote its events in various statewide and regional calendars, including, for example, Dallas Morning News, Texas Highways, AARP Texas, Fort Worth Star Telegram, Collin County Today.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• MillHouse Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit corporation created to promote female artists and entrepreneurs. Our mission is for women to flourish by providing opportunities to showcase their work and enhance income opportunities. Their focus is helping creative micro-businesswomen, but all are welcome to participate in the art festivals, artisan markets, art exhibits, and public art. MillHouse designs and operates festivals, public art projects, and highlights the historic Cotton Mill through creative activities, and in doing so, works to bring more visitors to the historic east side of McKinney through events and initiatives.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Visit McKinney’s allocation for Promotional and Community Event grants for FY 24 is $30,000 -- $15,000 for Cycle I applicants and $15,000 for Cycle II applicants.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
• Application Packet