Visit Canton, in collaboration with ArtsinStark, is offering Cultural Tourism Grants aimed at enhancing the economic impact and visitor engagement in Stark County, Ohio. These grants are designed to support marketing and event initiatives that promote arts and culture, with the goal of increasing visitation to the region. The funding will be allocated to projects that encompass a variety of cultural elements, including visual arts, museums, performing arts, theaters, and historical attractions. The grant program seeks to create a vibrant cultural landscape that attracts new demographics and fosters community collaboration.

The primary purpose of the Cultural Tourism Grants is to generate increased visitation and economic impact through arts and culture initiatives. The objectives include enhancing visitor appeal to special events and cultural institutions, increasing attendance by attracting new visitors, fostering strategic vision and collaboration within the community, and maximizing the economic return on investments in travel and tourism. Projects that align with these goals will be prioritized, particularly those that offer unique experiences not readily available within a 90-mile radius or within a 90-day timeframe.

Funding for the grants ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with requests up to $20,000 considered through a competitive application process. The grant period will run from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Eligible projects should focus on enhancing cultural tourism experiences and may include initiatives in visual arts, performing arts, entertainment, and historical events. Examples of funded projects could involve live music or dance elements added to events, new marketing campaigns targeting diverse demographics, and promotional expenses for arts and culture programming.

Organizations eligible to apply for these grants include arts and cultural organizations, local planning committees, Chambers of Commerce, local governments, non-profit organizations, and for-profit enterprises. The program encourages a wide range of applicants to contribute to the cultural tourism landscape in Stark County. Priority will be given to projects that showcase unique experiences and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Submission requirements and specific application questions are not detailed in the provided information. However, interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the grantor for further guidance. The evaluation criteria for the applications will likely focus on the alignment of the proposed projects with the program's goals, the potential for increased visitation, and the overall impact on the local economy.

The application deadline for the Cultural Tourism Grants is set for November 1, 2024. It is important for potential applicants to prepare their proposals in advance to ensure they meet the submission requirements and deadlines. For additional information, applicants can contact Allison Gromofsky at Visit Canton via email or phone. This grant program represents a significant opportunity for organizations in Stark County to enhance their cultural offerings and contribute to the region's economic vitality through arts and culture initiatives.