Seeking volunteers to assist with the upcoming 30th Annual Celebration of the Arts (COA) event at the Midland Center on April 5, 6, and 7 (Fri – Sun). We are looking for people to help in providing hospitality to the participating artists. Duties can include helping set up and decorate the hospitality room, assisting with food service and clean up for
meals and snacks, delivering bottled water to artists throughout the event, and general coordination. You can volunteer for as little or as much time as you’d like. All volunteers who work at least a 2-hour shift during the event will receive a pass that provides all day access to the COA on the day(s) they work. In addition, volunteers who provide at least 10 hours of assistance during the event will also receive a free admission pass to the Saturday street concert (while supplies last). We thank for your willingness to assist. Contact Jim Nichols at 685-7205 or jnichols@midlandtexas.gov for more info.

The Live Downtown Midland Grant Program was created to provide
financial assistance to event producers who wish to host events in downtown
Midland. The purpose of the Program is to bring increased visibility to downtown
Midland and attract visitors in support of downtown businesses. The Program is
a collaborative effort between the City of Midland, Midland Development
Corporation, Downtown Midland Management District, and the Tax Increment
Reinvestment Zone Number 1.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate how the proposed
event will achieve one or more of the following Program goals.

Enhance community pride and positive image
Generate positive media exposure and visibility
Generate positive economic impact by stimulating business and commercial activity
Promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry
Demonstrate support for local businesses and charitable/non-profit/cultural organizations

Eligible Events: The types of event eligible for consideration shall include but not be limited to: festivals, conferences, conventions, historic or cultural celebrations, parades, galas, sports related events, trade shows, theater and arts related events, home and garden shows, and concerts.

Who may apply: Eligible applicants are public, private or non-profit entities or organizations. Grants will not be awarded to individuals. Grants are awarded only to the event host and will not be awarded to facilities.

When to apply: The deadline for applications is June 20, 2012.  Applicants will be notified of awards by October 1, 2012 and barring unforeseen circumstances, funds will be released by November 1, 2012. Funds will be awarded once a year on a fiscal year basis. Funded events must be held from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013.
***Exceptions may be made under compelling circumstances.***

Application Review Process: All applications will be reviewed by the Live Downtown Midland Event Grant Review Committee. The Committee is composed of representatives from the Program’s partners and other appropriate entities. The Committee will recommend approval of applications that best meet the Program’s goals and criteria. Final decisions on all grant awards will be made by the Downtown Midland Management District Board of Directors.

Amount of Grants: All grant awards will be determined based upon need. Grants may be in the form of monies or in-kind services.

Ineligible Applicants: Applicants that have applied for or received funding from any of the partner entities’ grant programs for the same event are ineligible to apply for funding.

How to apply: Applications and related submittal requirements and materials are available HERE or may be requested from Live Downtown Midland, 109 N. Main, Midland, TX 79701.

For more information, contact Natalie Shelton, Executive Director, Live Downtown Midland at (432) 686-7787 or by email at nshelton@livedowntownmidland.com.

As chancellor, Hance is the chief executive officer of all campuses and academic sites of Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Angelo State University. He is focusing his energies on continuing quality enrollment growth, enhancing research in areas of excellence and accentuating the programs and opportunities that prepare students for professional and personal success.

Before becoming chancellor, Hance was a partner in Hance Scarborough, an Austin law firm. His firm’s primary focus was on state and federal administrative law, regulatory law and legislative law. In addition, he advised clients in oil, gas and other energy-related matters.

Hance began a career in politics in 1974 when he won a seat in the Texas State Senate.  While in the Senate, he was one of only four members who served jointly on the chamber’s two most powerful committees:  Finance and State Affairs.  Four years later, he won election to the 19th Congressional District.

Hance is a native of Dimmitt, Texas.  He and his wife, Susie Hance, also an attorney, have five children and seven grandchildren.

Join the Arts Assembly of Midland for the 28^th annual ‘Celebration of the Arts’ May 20 – 22 in downtown Midland.  A three-day art festival and celebration featuring arts and crafts, visual and performing artist, food and children’s events, ‘Celebration of the Arts’ has something for everyone!  Entertainment this year include: Joe Nichols, Los Lonely Boys and Midland’s own, Cory Yeager Band.  This year’s featured artist is Midland native and painter, Rebecca Beal McClure.  Tickets are available via www.outhousetickets.com.  For more information, call the Arts Assembly of Midland, 432-687-1149 or visit www.artassemblymidland.org