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Parks tourism panel approves $1,200 for Marietta Arts Council and $25,000 for Strand Theatre's 90th birthday week
Summary
The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Committee approved $1,200 to reimburse the Marietta Arts Council for an inclement-weather venue rental and approved a $25,000 tourism grant to support a week-long Strand Theatre 90th birthday celebration; funding will come from tourism reserves and excess allocations.
The Parks, Recreation & Tourism Committee approved two tourism-funded requests on May 13: $1,200 to the Marietta Arts Council to cover an unexpected History Center rental expense caused by inclement weather at TrailFest, and $25,000 to the Strand Theatre to support a multi-day 90th birthday celebration in September.
Marietta Arts Council: The committee heard that TrailFest programming had to be moved indoors because of weather, and the venue rental totaled about $1,200. Committee members confirmed the cost would come from tourism reserve funds; a motion to approve the $1,200 reimbursement passed 3-0.
Strand Theatre request: Andy Gaines, speaking for the Strand Theatre, asked the committee for $25,000 to underwrite a week of events (film screenings, a national Saturday night act, a silent film with live organ, and a midweek multi-organization showcase) surrounding the theater's Sept. 24 90th anniversary. "The ask is for 25,000, and it's going to the rights, for the different movies, and that pieces, but it's also gonna pay for the professional services of folks like GSO as we put on that big piece," Gaines said.
Committee action and funding: Committee members commented that the tourism reserve had excess funds and could support the request. The motion specified that the $25,000 be paid as a lump sum closer to the event; the motion passed with committee support. Staff said the funds would come from reserves/excess collections in the tourism account and that the Strand could also draw on previously allocated funds earlier in the fiscal year if cash timing required.
Why it matters: Committee members framed the funding as an investment in bringing regional visitors to Marietta Square and in supporting nonprofit arts partners. Staff noted the Strand draws tens of thousands of patrons annually and economic spillover to restaurants and downtown businesses.
Next steps: The Strand will receive the funds according to the committee's direction (lump sum near the event date). The Arts Council reimbursement was approved immediately; the Strand grant will be placed for council consent as directed by committee procedure.
