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Denison Arts Council reports HOT revenue, expands cultural district and votes to pursue property purchase

Denison City Council · February 17, 2026

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Summary

The Denison Arts Council told the City Council it budgeted $145,000 (14% HOT allocation) for FY2026, reported roughly $41,000 in year‑to‑date receipts, described rising engagement metrics and said the council voted to identify a property for purchase to secure gallery/office space.

The Denison Arts Council updated the City Council Feb. 16 on its use of hotel‑occupancy tax (HOT) funds, recent marketing and a board decision to pursue a property purchase for a permanent gallery and office.

Jordan Starr introduced Cindy Salem as president of the Arts Council; Salem said the council’s budgeted allocation from HOT for the year — the council’s 14% allotment — was $145,000, with about $41,000 received so far year‑to‑date and a carryover balance from the prior year. "The budget this year for our allotted 14% was a $145,000," Salem said. She said the council budgets roughly $36,000 for an office/gallery headquarters and has begun paying staff to manage programming and the gallery.

Salem highlighted marketing and engagement gains: paid media, bilingual advertising and new YouTube placements; she credited a fractional marketing director and social‑media management for organic traffic increases and more blog readership. The council also funds public art (murals and utility‑wraps) and performing‑arts grants, and uses HOT dollars heavily for Cultural Arts District advertising to drive tourism.

On programming, Salem reviewed the Día de los Muertos festival (DÍA), reporting roughly 4,000 visitors this season and that more than one‑third of participating artists were from outside the region (including Colorado, Arizona and Oklahoma). She said overnight stays were not officially tracked but were surveyed informally.

Salem told council that rising downtown rents prompted the board to vote that day to identify a property and prepare an offer for purchase so the Arts Council can establish a sustainable gallery and workspace. She said additional updates will be provided once an offer is submitted.

Council members thanked the Arts Council for the report.