Factory Obscura, Inc.

PROJECT PURPOSE

Factory Obscura is a collaborative, women-owned B-corporation creating a new, large-scale, immersive art experience in Norman. Modeled on its successful predecessor, MIX-TAPE in OKC, this fully immersive art space is designed to inspire wonder, build community, create jobs, enhance the growing state economy, and make the world a better place. The Norman Campus is envisioned as a multi-building facility in two locations, walking distance of each other. The art experience on Gray Street will be 25,000 sqft, plus a combined 15,000 sqft of retail, food/beverage, live performance/event space, and creative business incubator. An outdoor component, The Grove, will feature immersive public art along James Garner Avenue. The community facility on Comanche Street, includes a 6,000 sqft education center plus offices, and a 6,000 sqft fabrication shop. The total estimated Norman Campus budget is $25 million. Revenue generation begins at the completion of Phase 1 within one year of receiving funding. When operational, revenue is generated primarily through ticket sales, events, and retail. This project strengthens our position as a major attraction in the region, and captures a once in a generation opportunity for Oklahoma to emerge as a leader in the experience economy.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Multiple state and community populations will benefit from this project. During the construction phase, our expansion will generate jobs benefitting our state?s creative and hospitality workforces--specifically local artists and artisans--a community disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Increased employment for our creative sector will have a positive impact on Norman and the region, not only in terms of economic well-being, but also in terms of mental health, civic pride, and cultural diversity. We are also employing local designers, accountants, administrative assistants, front of house staff, hospitality specialists, and construction contractors. When operational, we envision creating 70 new permanent jobs at thriving wages with benefits ($17-$25 for hourly employees, $35K-$60K per year for salaried employees, and $50K-$150K per year for management). Beyond this, we see numerous other channels for positive social impact on local populations. We are especially committed to expanding opportunities for public school children--a group who lost access to the arts during the pandemic-- to experience cost-free field trips to the Norman Campus and receive greater access to expanded programming. Finally, the downtown Norman community stands to benefit from the urban regeneration and civic vitality that will stem from this project.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Our primary process for measuring project performance is through data gathered from ticket and retail sales. This data allows us to monitor revenue growth, measure our facility/event attendance and demographics, and quantify our community impact and performance?especially in terms of public school children who have been able to visit and participate in our programs for free. Sales analysis also helps us track the number of guests and tourist dollars we are drawing from out-of-state. We use this data to guide and improve our programs, and plan future events, services, and marketing.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma