LT-2023-007-PunchProjects_R - Laserfiche WebLink

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9129122, 10:53 AM Response 1: ProjecUEvent Description * Video Link List of lntended Use of Funds* LTAC Clerk Review PUNCH was founded in March 2006, when a group of artists from rural central Washington sought to participate in the cultural exchange resulting from the emergence of artist-run galleries two hours west in Seattle. From its 1O-year history as a gallery in Seattle, to its current initiative as a rural arts collective, PUNCH has worked to promote visual dialogue between urban and rural art communities and seeks to support the cultural vibrancy of rural art scenes by spurring creative awareness, cross-cultural engagement and economic vitality. ln the fall of 2021, we signed a lease on the old fire house in the small rural- community of Thorp and began our post-Covid re-emergence with what we call the "Fire House Project" - creating a space that now, after our first year, houses a gallery, outdoor stage/performance area, and an upstairs residency space for visiting out-oftown artists. Exhibitions in the gallery change monthly and we have musicians and other performers on the stage Saturdays, May-October. We are currently open one-day per week with volunteer staff. ln our second year, we plan to add a hospitality component and increase public programming to include workshops and more events. Our request for Lodging Tax Funds is to pay talent fees for artists and musicians and to markeUpromote monthly gallery exhibitions, stage performances and workshops. The past year has shown steady growth in attendance. ln a town with a population of approximately 200, recent Saturdays have had attendance in excess of 60 visitors (approx. 15% out-of-county). Retail sales for 2022 have also increased each month and we are on target to breakeven in our first year. As we increase our operating hours, programming and retail offerings in 2023, we are seeking ways to invest in infrastructure, operations and marketing/promotion to reach a broader audience and a sustainable path fonruard. Though PUNCH has been in existence since 2006, the "Fire House Project" is just completing its first year. This is a new project for us, in a new space, with many of our visitors discovering us for the first time. Visitors to our space have been a mix of folks who knew us in Seattle, some who have discovered us as they pass by on Thorp Hwy enroute to raft or fly fish, others who have bicycled the scenic byway from Roslyn to Ellensburg, regulars from Ellensburg and upper county, and even some who simply see our sandwich board at the Thorp freeway exit while stopping for gas and snacks. 2500 character limit Please provide us link to a brief video summary of you organization's evenvproject. You MUST be present at the Q&A meeting to qualifiT for funding. https://youtu. be/LmCyB KOhQCc lf-app-16-03.co.kittitas.wa.us/Forms/form/submission/history/77618/85645?hideHeader=true 4t17