City Council to Discuss Arts and Cultural Promotion Fund

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell first proposed his Arts, Culture and Tourism Promotion Fund during his annual State of the City address last month.

The proposal was submitted to the New Bedford City Council Thursday evening as a Home Rule Petition for approval.

The council referred the proposal to the Committee on Ordinances where Council President Linda Morad believes it will undergo greater discussion.

"I want an opportunity to talk about it," Morad said. "It's a new fund, it's a new way to promote our city and I want to be sure that we understand how the monies are going to be used an what the major goal of the administration is."

Money for the fund will be derived from the city's hotel and lodging taxes and will be used in part to create a City Cultural Coordinator position.

The promotional fund will also create marketing campaigns based on the city's cultural, artistic and tourist attractions.