A Brief Bit About Us
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit with a board of four. We are based in Montgomery Alabama, and work to the arts and literary scenes. Our primary area of focus is The Hilltop/Downtown, but we work with creatives across the city.
We were founded on March 30th 2021 by Bob McGough. Our first event was a community cleanup on the Hilltop, on April 17th 2021. On May 3rd of 2022 we got the Busking Ordinance passed. In July of 2022 we started pushing for the expansion of the Downtown Entertainment District, which was enacted in December of that year.
Major Achievements
These is not all that we have achieved, but they are the items we are most proud of.
Busking Ordinance
We saw a need for Montgomery to have a busking ordinance, in line with what other cities have. We wrote the initial draft of the ordinance, and working with folks like Kevin King, Marche Johnson, and Clay McInnis were able to get the city council to pass the ordinance.
Throwing Events
Over the years we have hosted a wide range of events. They have ranged in size from small pop-up markets, knit in public days, and book swap events, up to large art festivals with 70+ vendors and over a 1,000 attendees.
Entertainment District Expansion
We campaigned for the expansion of the Downtown Montgomery Entertainment District to include the Hilltop area. This led to the creation of Hilltop Entertainment District, as well as several others.
Get in Touch with Us
Reach out with suggestions for our current guides, guides you would like us to make, or causes and initiatives we would be a good fit to take on.
Press and Podcast Appearances
Interview on WSFA about the Passing of the Ordinance to Expand the Entertainment Districts
Bob chatted with WSFA after the city council passed the ordinance ammendment.
WSFA Interview #1
The first interview we did to promote our first Hilltop Market Day.
WSFA Interview #2
The second interview we did to promote our first Hilltop Market Day.
Appearance on Inspiring Thyme's 'Grounded' Podcast
Bob is fortunate to get to spend some time talking about throwing events, and becoming a non-profit, with Amber Card of Inspiring Thyme.
Montgomery Advertiser:
Read about the passing of the Busking Ordinance HERE.
Read about the expansion of the entertainment districts HERE.
WSFA:
Organization helping performing artists get busking permits in Montgomery: HERE.
Business owners call for entertainment district to be redrawn: HERE.
The Hilltop Howlers host first Hilltop Art Festival in Montgomery: HERE.
Montgomery downtown district breaks into thirds, Hilltop area included: HERE
Hilltop Art Festival features local artists, food trucks, and more: HERE.