ARLINGTON – The Arlington Arts and Enrichment Program received a grant from the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing’s Regional Marketing Program, one of 22 organizations that received funding to support economic recovery by supporting regional efforts to increase attendance and tourism-related activities . The grants are designed to enable local, regional or statewide organizations to run campaigns and initiatives that increase consumer spending, support local businesses and advance community restoration efforts in the tourism sector.
“As the tourism sector continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to have resources in place to attract and welcome visitors to every corner of the state,” VDTM Commissioner Heather Pelham said in a press release, in who announced the $600,000 grant program. “The variety of projects and initiatives supported by these grants demonstrates both the breadth of tourism opportunities across the state and the unique character that each community has to offer. We look forward to bringing all of these creative projects to life.”
When allocating the funding, priority was given to projects that have the potential for long-term transformation effects; campaigns that reach underrepresented and new and diverse visitor communities; and projects that create assets that live on beyond the life of the grant. To enhance regional and national collaboration, new creative assets developed with this grant funding will be shared with VDTM for additional amplification and brand reach.
Awarded grant projects fell into five main categories: arts and culture events; development of creative resources and targeted marketing; digital and/or website upgrades; festivals; and itineraries and/or mapping projects. Example projects include:
The Arlington Arts and Enrichment Program received funding to host a multi-day Battenkill Fly and Film Festival in late April, centered around the International Fly-Fishing Film Festival and the opening week of the fly fishing season. Films shown at the newly created Arlington Common are complemented by “river supply packages” available at area restaurants, related events at local galleries and museums, and a series of independent car rides to enhance travel in the region support financially.
The City of South Burlington received funding to launch a new annual Winter Lights Festival featuring Vermont musicians, locally made crafts and food and drink gifts, and local grocers in partnership with regional arts organizations, the local hospitality industry, and civic organizations.
Studio Place Arts (SPA) in Barre received funding to support a year-long regional promotional campaign promoting the 2022 SPA exhibition program, which features the work of more than 380 small arts companies. Studio Place Arts will also be developing a two-week event to coincide with the 22nd annual Rock Solid stone sculpture exhibition during the busy fall tourism season.
Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports received funding to produce video and photo content highlighting accessible outdoor adventure and recreation in the Mad River Valley, Killington/Rutland area and Burlington Shore and Bike Trail.
The Vermont River Conservancy received funding to create an interactive map that includes information on over 50 swimming holes, dozens of boat docks, favorite fishing spots and paddle trails, and a series of six Spanish-language videos promoting Vermont’s waterways.
“We are very excited about the strong regional partnerships that have come together to make these collaborative projects successful,” said VDTM Commissioner Heather Pelham. “These partnerships will ensure that the Vermont tourism industry is more resilient now and in the future.”
All projects must be completed by March 1, 2023. A full list of recipients can be found on the grant program page at accd.vermont.gov. Funding for this program was allocated as part of Act 74 of the Vermont Legislature.
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