James MacDonald, Event Organizer of the Monufest Music and Art Festival Event attended the April 19, 2023, Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting to discuss the 3rd annual Monufest Event. This ticketed event is planned to be held in Railroad Square again this year, with proceeds supporting Mullins Music and the goal of promoting Music and Arts in the City of New Port Richey. Mullins Music is a 501C3 organization which uses the proceeds for scholarship and financial aid for students to pay music instruction fees.
Last year's event had many positive reviews, with the event growing from 9 participating bands its first year to having 18 bands signed up to participate in this year's event. The City approved of the Cultural Affairs Committee recommendation of $5,000 to help fund the event in 2022. The Cultural Affairs Committee recommends increasing this amount to $7,500, including in-kind support, to assist with the higher costs associated with larger-scale events with high attendance.
At their April 19, 2023, meeting, the Cultural Affairs Committee unanimously voted to recommend to City Council to perpetually support this event, this year in the amount of $7,500 to provide assistance in offsetting costs associated with this growing event. The event organizer expects 500 people in attendance.
The Cultural Affairs Committee members stated that this fundraising event would be a benefit for the local non-profit Mullins Music and would attract positive attention to downtown New Port Richey and local artists.
The 2023 Monufest Special Event Application and Site Map are attached for City Council review.