San Marcos to promote tourism with art

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - The city of San Marcos Arts Commission is accepting funding applications for art projects that promote tourism and celebrate the ethnic diversity and cultural variety of San Marcos.

Applicants are encouraged to schedule a pre-review meeting with the city staff to discuss and review applications before submitting any final work, according to city officials.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Sept. 3.

To be eligible for funding, projects must fulfill the following criteria:

• Promote the arts, which may include instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, motion pictures, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related to the presentation, execution, and exhibition of these major art forms.
• Promote local tourism and the convention industry.
• Examples of previously funded events include Summer in the Park, Fiesta del Mariachi, Indigenous Cultures Institute: Songs of the Seven Winds Native American Concert, Eddie Durham Jazz Festival, Walker’s Gallery, Suzuki Strings Workshop, Opening Door Dance Theatre Performance, and the Heart of Texas Chorus Regional Competition.

Diversity programs must meet one of the following criteria:

• Preserves, produces, or presents art forms and cultural activities specific to any ethnic culture.
• Expresses the experiences of historically underserved ethnic and other communities
• Celebrates San Marcos’ ethnic diversity and variety of cultural traditions.
• Connects diverse communities through educational or interactive activities.

Full details, guidelines, and application forms are available at the Parks and Recreation Department main office or online at the city's website .