Operating Support Grant

This past year with programming happening mostly online and in a pre-recorded format, we have assessed attendance of our virtual festival through Google Analytics. I have provided a few uploads in this application for viewing. Feedback we have received from artists and virtual attendees as well as staff include the following: Most people shared they were in favor of being able to go back and forth from viewing the online programming. People shared that sitting in front of a screen for a large chunk of time was challenging as it was not the same as being in front of a stage listening to or watching a performer. Having the ability to watch the program with individual availability in mind allowed some to see the program around their work schedule or other commitments happening at the time of the festival. Go forward, we will continue to have a virtual element of the festival programming to aid with accessibility of those not currently in our region or able to attend an event in person. The Homegrown Music Festival focuses on evaluating successes and opportunities with regard to addressing the needs of the constituents by asking for feedback on how we can be better and where we are doing well. We look beyond our organization to other organizations for best practices while sharing with others what works for Homegrown. At steering committee meetings, members share what they have been attending during the year leading up to Homegrown activities, and information shared is used to shape the timeline and production of the festival and its ancillary events. In a non-pandemic year, the Homegrown Music Festival has measured successes of our services and programs by attendance of our events, application numbers of those applying to perform, through responses of volunteers to work at our events and through feedback shared by those experiencing Homegrown. Minnesota benefits by experiencing local talent of the artists featured at our events. This shows with the year-to-year return of many of the festival's followers. Though many performers come back year after year, there is new talent and new groups forming each year. This is seen also int he festival's volunteer pool. The festival offers day passes or weeklong passes and gives many tickets away to audience members that may not be able to afford a ticket. Volunteers get a weeklong pass for their time working a shift for our event. This has proven successful as our volunteer openings fill quickly and consistently while giving the volunteer an affordable way to gain access to the festival. Continuing with a virtual element will help the festival reach a broad audience as well.