Item:
Title
Request for Board Approval of $22,097.40 Increase to Contract with Biscuits and Banjos Festival for a Total Funding of $62,097.40.
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting - April 28, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve an increase of $22,097.40 to the current contract with Biscuits and Banjos LLC in support of the Biscuits and Banjos Festival held in downtown Durham. The additional $22,097.40 will bring the County’s total funding to $62,097.40, which matches the City of Durham’s support for the festival, consistent with historical practices.
The festival champions Black artists and creators, offering robust musical performances alongside secondary programming to include lectures, workshops, and readings from authors, chefs, visual artists, and more.
Economic impact information received to support funding for the original contract:
According to Americans for the Arts' Arts and Economic Prosperity Calculator, the festival's estimated budget in the first year, combined with 10,000 expected attendees, will result in an estimated $2.2 million in total expenditures, including money spent on festival production, as well as money spent on hotels and dining.
The festival will create at least 41 short-term jobs in Durham.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Regional Leadership: Durham County aims to be a regional leader in improving its inhabitants' quality of life.
Resource Persons: Shannon Trapp, Chief of Staff
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board approve an additional $22,097.40 to the Biscuits and Banjos Festival contract bringing total County support to $62,097.40
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________