Arts Center seeks $453,000 for 2027 programming as costs climb

Jeffrey Reeves, president and CEO of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and Andrea Gannon, vice president of marketing, presented the center’s 2027 ATAX request of $453,000 to sustain tourism‑focused programming and marketing.

“Our 2027 request is 453,000 for tourism programming, and marketing,” Reeves said. The presentation summarized FY26 activity: 56,788 attendees in ATAX‑eligible programs and a combined estimated economic impact of roughly $16.4 million tied to on‑island and off‑island attendees. Reeves and Gannon told the committee that operating costs — particularly artist housing, production expenses and inflationary pressures — rose sharply in recent years and drove their request.

Committee members pressed for details about the increase and where efficiencies might be found; Arts Center leaders said the request represents about 7.9% of the organization’s 2027 operating budget and is weighted toward activities timed to peak tourism months. The committee will weigh the Center’s track record and the annual funding pool in its allocation deliberations.