MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Tourism
608-266-0458; djohnson@travelwisconsin.com
Susan Melton, Cooperative Marketing Director
Janesville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc.
608-757-3171; smelton@jvlnet.com
JANESVILLE, Wis. (Aug. 24, 2011) – A brand new event is coming to Janesville with the help of a 10,000 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Secretary Stephanie Klett delivered a JEM grant to the Janesville Area Convention and Visitor Bureau for Art Infusion, September 16-18. Goals for this new event include bringing total attendance to 5,000 and generating an economic impact of $252,000 from traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores.
“The Department is pleased to provide promotional support to Art Infusion so that this event can go to the next level,” said Secretary Klett. “Not only will Art Infusion have a significant impact on Janesville from an economic perspective but it will introduce new people to the downtown area and cultivate an appreciation of the arts.”
Art Infusion will feature a unique blend of outdoor performance art, chalk art, musical and visual street performances. This three-day festival also includes chalk art lessons from Madison native and award winning chalk artist, Lee Jones, adult and youth chalk art competitions, and a flash mob contest. This family-friendly event lets people leisurely enjoy live performances and watch artists in action.
This Grant will be used to increase awareness of the festival to audiences in both Illinois and Wisconsin through email, cable TV, online and print advertising campaigns. Art Infusion seeks to educate and entertain by bringing people to downtown Janesville to experience an inspiring mix of live art in its various forms.
In fiscal 2011, the Department funded 53 Joint Effort Marketing projects, awarding a total of nearly $1.2 million dollars. Visitor expenditures driven by the marketing from these projects will exceed $20 million.
JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations. The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project’s first year advertising and marketing costs and provides support for second and third year projects, but with decreasing amounts for funding each year until projects become self-sustaining. For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.
The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. The portal for traveler information can be found at: http://www.travelwisconsin.com.
