MOUNT VERNON — A year ago, Mount Vernon Arts Consortium Director Martin Booker told the county commissioners that 2023 was the “Year of Growth.”
2023 goals included economic development and promoting MVAC and its partners, its pillar venues, and Mount Vernon as a destination. Another goal was maximizing resources through shared marketing, ticketing, communication, and production calendar.
Booker and his MVAC team reported their progress to the commissioners on Thursday.
“We spent time building. These aren’t just goals anymore; we are doing it,” he told the commissioners. “Whether by hard work or luck, many of the things we wanted to do, we’re now doing. And doing them is hard work.”
MVAC sold 11,500 box office tickets in 2023. Booker said that is significant because all the arts use the same system.
“The metrics of that are so important. We base a lot of our decisions on that,” he said.
In 2022, more than two-thirds of those attending events were from Knox County. In 2023, 49.1 percent came from outside of the county.
Booker said that is due to the Knox County Convention and Visitors Bureau working hard to bring in people.
MVAC supported or produced 61 productions that involved more than 150 production days.
“The arts consortium is in production half of the year. I think that is important when you look at the 49.1 percent and strengthening the economy,” Booker said. “We are providing opportunities for residents to enjoy and showcasing our town.”
As far as establishing trust and enhancing communication, MVAC and partner organizations meet quarterly to share calendars, ideas, and suggestions.
For 2025, Booker said, “I think a lot of things need to happen, but we’ve built up to the point where it can.”
What does the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium do?
MVAC provides marketing, administration, ticketing, technical, and management services to its venues and partners in addition to its own productions.
The organization has three pillar venues: Knox Memorial Theater, Ariel-Foundation Park, and The Woodward Opera House.
It partners with MTVarts, Experience Mount Vernon, the Community Concert Association, and the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival.
Booker said the analytics that come from ticketing “really help us strategize.”
“We’re not just bringing in acts, we’re bringing in commodities that promote our town and county,” he said.
That translates to almost 30 percent of show budgets being spent in Knox County. Booker said those dollars benefit local businesses, venues, and individuals.
Additionally, MVAC upgraded its technical services and equipment to the point where the group can start going after grants.
Booker said a highlight in 2025 is the 100th anniversary of the Knox Memorial Building. The focus will be on the building’s identity and protecting its historical heritage.
“It’s not just a memorial structure, it’s also a theater,” he said. “We want to create an identity for the theater.”
Commissioner Bill Pursel said he appreciates MVAC’s work and would like to see the Knox County Fair Board and county festival boards work with MVAC for guidance.
Knox Community Hospital proudly supports the vibrant pulse of our community by sponsoring the Life & Culture section on Knox Pages, celebrating the stories and experiences that make our region unique.
