First things first, you’ll want to confirm whether your city or town is distributing HOT for the arts.

Municipalities that impose HOT must annually report their tax rates and revenue amounts, including the percentage of revenue allocated for specific uses, from the preceding year. You can find the most recent data here (link). Because this information is self-reported, it may not be exact or complete.

According to the Texas Tax Code, recipients of HOT funds for the arts must present, perform, promote, encourage or otherwise make possible, artistic events, cultural performances, programs, exhibitions or lectures involving any of the major art forms listed in the code. In addition, any funded event or program should be accessible to tourists - which means the ideal venue is a public setting, not private - and it should be promoted and marketed outside of the community to help attract out of town visitors.

In each community, the rate of HOT tax to be collected and the means for distributing the collected dollars is determined by “local control,” meaning that your local elected officials have the authority to make these decisions and, as a result, support of the arts with HOT funds varies from municipality to municipality. In many cases, the funds are handles by a municipal department of agency.

Once you’ve identified who controls your local HOT fund, the next step is understanding the process for applying to receive funds. It’s likely the application process is outlined online, but this is not always the case. Do your research and, if you can’t find anything, reach out to the municipal agency or delegated authority and request some information.

Connect with your local visitor’s bureau to gain a better understanding of the interests and demographics of the tourists visiting your town.

When the arts thrive, our communities thrive and become more desirable places to live, work, go to school, raise a family, start and grow a business. Yes, your arts programs can and should attract out-of-towners, but the impact in your own backyard is equally valuable.

If your organization hosts an annual event – or several events throughout the year – establish a relationship with a local hotel to encourage return visits from attendees. Get to know the marketing team at the hotel and discuss cooperative marketing opportunities.

It was mentioned earlier, but it’s worth repeating here: Municipal HOT funding has had a significant impact on the local arts ecosystem of both large and small communities in our great state. In fact, these funds are the largest source of public funding for the arts in Texas.

THIS IS WHERE THE ADVOCACY LANGUAGE WILL GO. TO COME.

It’s always a good idea to collect and track data that supports the work you’re doing. Sometimes this data will be required in the final support you submit, but we suggest you gather supporting data regardless.

Developing and implementing a long range community arts strategic plan – one that brings arts organizations, municipal officials, local leaders, and businesses into the conversation – can be a great next step for initiating and sustaining public investment in the arts where you live and work. In the resource section you’ll find links to cultural plans as well as… TO COME