Honk! Fest West, the annual gathering of “radical marching bands” in Ballard, has received $1,200 through Seattle’s Neighborhood & Community Arts program. “Festivals and events color the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods. The arts build community, and these investments help fuel the transformative power and positive influence of the arts in our city,” said Michael Killoren, director of the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. The office has selected 40 groups to receive $1,200 each. The criteria is that they have been around at least one year and produce recurring festivals or events that help promote the arts.
Last year, marching bands from five states and Canada converged on Ballard for Honk! Fest West! This year’s event will be held April 9 to April 11. No details for this year have been released yet.
Here's where my opposition for public funding of the arts is most difficult. I love the Honk Fest West events. Can't we find funding for this outside of the city coffers? This should be funded through the community privately. IM(not so)HO.
@onederfullone: I'm glad you asked: yes, we can (and are). Honk Fest West is holding its first fundraiser on Jan. 30th at the Underground Events Center in Belltown (details below). At the same time, these grants exist to support Festivals like ours, and we are extremely appreciative of the City for its support.
We are striving to be self-sufficient. So, if you like what we do, come out to our fundraiser later this month, or consider volunteering! We can always use an extra pair of hands. Get in touch at: HonkFestWestVolunteers@gmail.com
The details:
HONK! Benefit Show, January 30, 2010
In order to raise funds to offset band travel expenses, we are throwing a benefit fun-raiser show on Saturday January 30, 2010. Last year's benefit show was a lot of fun, so we have set the bar high for this year, and intend to leap well over it.
When: 8pm-2am, Saturday January 30, 2010
Where: Underground Events Center, 2407 1st Ave (between Battery St & Wall St), Seattle, WA ( map )
Cost: $TBD, but last year's was $8. We want you there, so however you help will be appreciated.
Who: We have a great lineup of Honk bands, both rookies and veterans:
•Orkestar Zirconium
•Reptet
•Titanium Sporkestra
•Tubaluba
•Yellow Hat Band
More information at: http://honkfestwest.com
fullone: I hate seeing the government pay for anything I don't like. I also hate seeing the government pay for anything I do like.
Thanks, I shall attend and contribute.
Hey to the Reptet gang, love you guys, and all you other Monktail Collectives.
what is the money going to be spent on?
This is a fantastic event, well well worth my tax dollars I say!!! Glad to see them come back!!