LT2025-013-Punch Projects - Laserfiche WebLink

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Response 1.1 : Please provide a description of your projecUevent. * PUNCH Projects, a rural arts-collective since 2006, works to promote visual dialogue between urban and rural art communities and seeks to suppott the cultural vibrancy of rural art scenes by spurring creative awareness, cross-cultural engagement and economic vitality. ln fall of 2021 , we signed a lease on the old fire house in the small rural-community of Thorp and began what we call the "Fire House Project" - creating a space that now, after nearly 3 years, houses a gallery, outdoor stage/performance area. an indoor performance area and "snack bar'with packaged snacks and beer- Exhibitions in the gallery change monthly and we have musicians and other pedormers year-round on either the indoor or outdoor stages. We are currently open 12-4pm on Saturdays with volunteer staff, with extended hours on last Saturdays to 8pm. 2024was a period of significant growth in our arls and culture programming, with visual art, interactive experiences, and performative events happening every Saturday. The Punch Firehouse Project is unique in that it is the only public venue in Thorp and is an important bridge between upper and lower counties providing cultural experiences to tourists and locals alike. The past year continues to show growih in attendance. ln a town with a population of approximately 200, open one day per week, we had 2961 visitors Sept. 2023 - Aug. 2024.This is nearly twice as many visitors from same months the year before. We estimaie 14.4% of those to be out-of-county - a slighi dip from the previous yea{s 21.8%. And we estimate 1 .6% of those visitors to be from out-of-state. Gross retail sales for 2024have increased 36% comparing again Sepi. 2023 -Aug. 2024wilh the same months of the previous year- This is testament to the success of our efforts and the support of the LTAC. As we continue to worktoward expanding our hours. programming and retail offerings in2025. we are seeking ways to invest in proqramming, operations and marketing/promotion to reach a broader audience and a sustainable path forward. Many visitors are still discovering us for the first time and have been a mix of folks who have seen our out-of-county advertising, sorne who have discovered us as they pass our Thorp location enroute to rafi or fly fish, others who have bicycled the scenic byway from Roslyn to Ellensburg. regulars fiom Ellensburg and upper counly, and even some who simply see our sandwich board at the Thorp freeway exit while stopping for gas and snacks. 2500 characler linri! Response 1.2: Please provide us link to a brief video summary of you organization's evenUproject. * Note You LlUST be presenl al the O&A meetirg to qualify f{rr fLrnding. https:/lyoutu, be/yg NfiFBS0M E Response 1 .3: List of lntended Use of Funds * Nole: This lanlluage yrill be r3lated in !he ront.acl il a\.rarde(l. The C|IAC cannol approve hlnds ilol listecl under RCW67.28.'1816. Hou/e'rer. the cornnritlee has lhe righi io be more restriclive Work with a professional agency to advise and suppod our marketing and promotion strategy Develop written content for online media, radio spots, & press releases fot newspaper/magazines Create photography, video, graphics & visuals to be used in social media, digital & print ads Create conieni for website and improve SEO and search resulis Ongoing website design/maintenance and social trredia management Fees for boosted social media ads. online advertising, radio spots & print adverlising beyond Kittco Fees for boosted social media ads, radio spots & print advertising within Kittco week of event Talent fees for artrsts, musicians, performers. guest speakers and/or workshop presenters Travel expenses for out-oftown artists, musicians, pedormers, presenters Shipping fees for artwork and event-related equipment Equipment rental as-needed for performances and workshops Licensing fees to present movies and films 2l Supporting Kittitas County as a tourism destination. 1. Away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid accommodations, 2. To a place fifiy miles or more away from their place of residence or business for the day or staying overnight; 3. Or from another country or state outside of their place of residence or business. You must provide the evidence utilized in determining your projections.