Tourism funding provided to Art Fair
Melissa McDonough-Borden, the Edwardsville Art Fair's executive director, recently reported to the city’s Administrative & Community Services Committee, giving them figures from last year's successful event. The aldermen responded by approving an $8,000 grant for the Fair, which will come from the tourism fund.
McDonough-Borden said that last year about 75 artists took part, and reported sales of about $121,000. However, she believes that only 60% of the participating artists submitted reports of their earnings, so the true figure is probably more than $200,000. This year, close to 100 artists have committed to taking part in the festival, so the earnings will probably be much higher.
Sponsors throughout Edwardsville have pledged their support to specific activities at the fair; the pledges total $32,000. For example, the Town & Country Bank has partnered with the Gori Julian law firm to pledge a total of $2,500 to support live entertainment to perform on the Main Stage. In addition, the Children's Create It and Take It event will receive $1,500 each from the Bank of Springfield and the Ed/Glen Junior Service Club.
McDonough-Borden said about 1,000 children take part in the event; adding in their parents means 3,000 people will visit the fair for the Create It and Take It alone. She anticipates a total of 5,000 visitors, which could bring in $20,000 to local hotels. The fair is in September.
Organizers of events like this can use flyer printing to call attention to it.
McDonough-Borden said that last year about 75 artists took part, and reported sales of about $121,000. However, she believes that only 60% of the participating artists submitted reports of their earnings, so the true figure is probably more than $200,000. This year, close to 100 artists have committed to taking part in the festival, so the earnings will probably be much higher.
Sponsors throughout Edwardsville have pledged their support to specific activities at the fair; the pledges total $32,000. For example, the Town & Country Bank has partnered with the Gori Julian law firm to pledge a total of $2,500 to support live entertainment to perform on the Main Stage. In addition, the Children's Create It and Take It event will receive $1,500 each from the Bank of Springfield and the Ed/Glen Junior Service Club.
McDonough-Borden said about 1,000 children take part in the event; adding in their parents means 3,000 people will visit the fair for the Create It and Take It alone. She anticipates a total of 5,000 visitors, which could bring in $20,000 to local hotels. The fair is in September.
Organizers of events like this can use flyer printing to call attention to it.