In a remarkable commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape and tourism of Pine Bluff, the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission (A&P) has awarded over $1.6 million in funding for the upcoming year.
This endeavor will support local non-profit organizations, community programs, and the operations of the Pine Bluff Convention Center, aimed at creating memorable experiences and driving economic growth in the area.
During the December monthly meeting, the Commission voted to distribute $247,400 among 11 local organizations and tourism facilities to bolster a variety of events and programs in 2025.
Additionally, $55,000 was dedicated to sponsorships and projects that will further enrich the community. An impressive $1,300,000 was designated for operational support of the Pine Bluff Convention Center at the Commission’s budget meeting earlier in the year.
“Today marks a monumental step forward for Pine Bluff as we work to foster a thriving environment for arts, culture, and tourism,” said Sheri Storie, executive director of the A&P Commission. “With a record $428,475 in funding requests received for 2025, the decisions we made were challenging but necessary. We are proud to support a diverse array of initiatives that reflect our community’s vibrant spirit.”
The funding allocations are divided into various categories, including year-round funding, advertising and publicity, event operating expenses, and seed money. Events must take place within the city limits of Pine Bluff and align with key focus areas such as visual arts, culinary arts, Delta heritage, performing arts, and sports and recreation.
The following organizations were awarded a total of $247,400 in funding for 2025:
• Arkansas Railroad Museum-Year-Round Funding – $22,500
• Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas-Year-Round Funding – $47,500
• Black Pilots of America-Operation Skyhook-Event Funding – $17,500
• Delta Rivers Nature Center-Wetlands and Wildlife Festival-Event Funding – $1,500
• Hestand Stadium-Year-Round Funding – $32,500
• Jefferson County Extension Homemakers-Southeast Arkansas District Fair-Event Funding – $11,275
• Pine Bluff Festival Association-4th of July Celebration-Event Funding – $7,000
• Pine Bluff Festival Association-Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends-Event Funding – $9,625
• Pine Bluff Parks & Recreation-Jazz on the Lake Series-Event Funding – $12,000
• Pine Bluff Parks & Recreation-Golf Tournament-Event Funding – $1,000
• Sahara Shrine Circus-Event Funding – $22,500
• Taylor Field-Year-Round Funding – $42,500
• UAPB/UAPB Foundation-Juneteenth-Event Funding – $20,000 (An additional $20,000 was also
designated from the 2025 tourism development budget.)
In addition to supporting community events and tourism facilities, the Commission will also finance post- production for a documentary about whistleblowers based on Pine Bluff’s own Martha Mitchell, as well as collaborate with the Pine Bluff Historical District Commission for an event during Historic Preservation Week.
The Pine Bluff A&P Commission also announced a $25,000 sponsorship for the 2024 King Cotton Classic, furthering its commitment to community events that attract visitors.
“Our goal remains clear: to strengthen our community through economic vitality and unique visitor experiences. As we look toward 2026, we hope to increase our grant funding to reflect the ever-growing enthusiasm for cultural events in Pine Bluff,” Storie concluded.
For more information about the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, please visit
www.ExplorePineBluff.com.
