December 26, 2018 at 4:13 p.m.
Project North fuses art and sustainability with help from tourism grant
Grant funds will be used to market new event promoting the Northwoods
Project North fuses art and sustainability with help from tourism grant
The festival is set to take place Sept. 26-29, 2019 in Rhinelander.
"We are thrilled to support this exciting new event that will attract art and environment enthusiasts to the Rhinelander area," Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said in a press release announcing the grant. "Wisconsin's Northwoods is home to unique outdoor recreation opportunities and a growing arts scene. Project North will not only highlight these attractions, it will also create a positive economic impact on the community."
"Project North gives visitors of all ages the opportunity to engage in the music and art of northern Wisconsin while learning about the area's environmental sustainability initiatives," the release states. "Festival events include live music from more than 20 regional and national acts, art education workshops, pop-up galleries and art installations, as well as discussions about the awareness of environmentally-conscious practices."
In commitment to sustainability, local food trucks and restaurants will provide food, recycled paper materials will be used and a volunteer "green team" will help ensure the grounds of the festival stay clean throughout the length of the festival.
The event is expected to attract 850 attendees, generating an estimated $98,700 in visitor spending in the area. Grant funds will go towards online, print and radio advertising to attract both local and non-local attendees.
"The Northwoods is home to a vibrant community of culturally and environmental engaged communities, and we are excited to celebrate and share that with others across the region," said ArtStart Development Director Melinda Childs.
In 2017, the tourism economy in Wisconsin totaled $20.6 billion, a 3.2 percent increase from 2016. Tourism activity supports 195,255 jobs in Wisconsin, a seven-year addition of more than 23,255 jobs to the state's total employment, an increase of 13.5 percent. Visitors generated $1.5 billion in state and local revenue. Business sales in Oneida County reached $304.7 million, supporting 2,208 jobs and more than $22.4 million in state and local taxes.
In fiscal 2018, the Department funded 56 JEM projects, awarding a total of more than $1.1 million. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $74 million. JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations, the release states.
The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project's first-year advertising and marketing costs, and provide support for second- and third-year projects with decreasing amounts for funding until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit industry.travelwisconsin.com.
WEATHER SPONSORED BY
E-Editions
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
August
To Submit an Event Sign in first
Today's Events
No calendar events have been scheduled for today.
Comments:
You must login to comment.