SALEM — The city has announced the creation of the Festival and Special Event Support Program, a grant program designed to support festivals and special events taking place throughout the spring and summer.
The announcement was made during National Travel and Tourism Week, which ends on Saturday.
“These events are a crucial part of what makes Salem a great place to live, work, play and are a critical part of our economy,” said Mayor Kimberley Driscoll. “For residents, visitors, and businesses alike, options to gather safely will reawaken one of the key drivers of our local economy, and are an important part of our recovery from the last two years of pandemic life.
“I can’t wait to be part of the wonderful festivals and special events planned for Salem this spring and summer.”
The program will provide financial support for organizations and entities that organize and hold special events in the city through Sept. 15. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and is open to nonprofits, community groups, and other entities. It will support cultural, creative, and historic-focused programming, as well as farmer’s markets and awareness programs, the city said.
This grant program was made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides financial support to organizations that suffered an adverse economic impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city said.
“Festivals and special events contribute to the fabric of Salem by providing fun programming and activities that connect residents, visitors and our business community throughout the year,” said Kate Fox, director of Destination Salem and a member of the city’s Economic Recovery Task Force.
“I appreciate the city’s commitment to support events that are rebuilding after the impacts of the pandemic, and Destination Salem looks forward to working with the event organizers to promote a robust calendar of special events.”
Kylie Sullivan, director of Salem Main Streets and a member of the city’s Economic Recovery Task Force, said festivals and special events are intrinsic to the health of the community, both in terms of economic development and community development.
She said community-focused events, such as the Salem Arts Festival, Salem’s So Sweet and Heritage Days, provide spaces for residents to connect and celebrate with each other.
“These events not only drive foot traffic and spending to our downtown businesses, they also serve as pipelines for locally-grown businesses to develop,” said Sullivan.
John Andrews, founder of the Creative Collective and a member of the city’s Economic Recovery Task Force, said professional artisans, makers, and creators have been devastated by the pandemic.
“Providing funding and support to festivals, creative programming, and community activations will be essential for our collective healing, while putting creators back to work and boosting our local economy,” said Andrews.
For more information on the program, or to apply for funding, visit www.salemma.gov/recovery.