Alchemy Arts Center asks LTAC to expand regional marketing, keep Lavender Festival at field campus

Maria from Alchemy Arts Center described a two‑part funding request to LTAC: $39,300 for a 2027 destination marketing plan to attract off‑island visitors for classes, field-campus experiences and exhibitions, and $15,000 to support the 2027 San Juan Island Lavender Festival. She said Alchemy’s programming has grown year over year and that marketing investments will help convert in‑region interest into overnight stays.

“For 2026 the festival generated more than $65,000 in combined gross event revenue for Alchemy and vendors,” Maria said, describing vendor sales, sponsorships and the festival’s role in driving lodging and dining. She said marketing support would pay for professional video/photography, targeted digital and regional print advertising, and visitor materials aimed at Seattle/Puget Sound markets to increase shoulder‑season activity.

Committee members asked about data collection and requirements for reporting paid nights; Maria said class registration, store purchases and surveys provided partial tracking and that Alchemy is improving registration fields to capture lodging information.