A series of exhibitions at Kirkcudbright Galleries is set for a funding boost.
The temporary exhibitions are in line to be classed as signature events through the council’s events strategy.
And if councillors agree, it will mean the displays are supported with an additional £28,000 next year.
Members of the council’s education, skills and community wellbeing committee will discuss the events strategy next Thursday.
A report for members reveals three events applied for signature status – Stranraer Oyster Festival, the council’s arts and museums service for the Kirkcudbright exhibitions and RED:ON Group for the Gatehouse based Raiders Gravel cycling event.
It was agreed the first two events should be recommended for signature status but the Raiders Gravel – which was held for the first time last year and attracts hundreds of riders to the region – was not, despite being described as “a strong and growing event”.
Both the Kirkcudbright exhibitions and the oyster festival, as well as the Spring Fling weekend, boost the regional economy by at least £1 million a year according to the report, with the economic impact of Wigtown Book Festival exceeding £3 million.
If Kirkcudbright Galleries and the oyster festival are added to the list, it will take the number of signature events the council definitely supports in 2025/26 to five – with confirmation needed if World Championship Ice Hockey will be held at Dumfries Ice Bowl during the period.
A total of £188,000 in funding support has been allocated to signature events, with Kirkcudbright Galleries recommended to receive £28,000.
The report adds: “Recommendations on funding awards for the Big Burns Supper and the Scottish Rally from the 2025/26 budget will be presented to a future meeting of this committee upon the completion of their event reviews.”