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BAM Fest drew 13,000 visitors; TDC recommends up to $100,000 per year for two years
Summary
Realize Bradenton reported attendance, artist and vendor metrics for the inaugural BAM (Bradenton Arts & Music) festival and the TDC voted unanimously to recommend up to $100,000 per year for two years to the county commission to help sustain the event while the organization builds private sponsorship.
Karen Corbin, executive director of Realize Bradenton, presented results from the city's April BAM (Bradenton Arts & Music) festival and requested continued TDC support for the event as it scales.
Corbin said the event activated more than a mile of the Riverwalk and brought more than 13,000 attendees. She reported Realize Bradenton showcased 58 individual visual artists, compensated 14 musicians and bands, partnered with nine community and cultural organizations, employed 125 volunteers and used services from 27 local companies.
Following the presentation, Tourism Director Elliot Falcone recommended the TDC forward a sponsorship recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for up to $100,000 per year for two years as a pilot period while Realize Bradenton continues private sponsorship development. The TDC discussed budget planning and the desire to avoid ongoing, open-ended sponsorships; Falcone said a two-year pilot would allow the board to assess sustainability and then repurpose funds if the event becomes self-sustaining.
A motion to recommend up to $100,000 per year for two years was made and seconded; the TDC approved the recommendation unanimously. The recommendation will go to the Board of County Commissioners as the TDC works through its two-year budget packaging process.
