Cool Jobs – Cameron Fultz  A Backstage View of Festival Planning

by Katelynn Mouton 

From celebrating various industries to honoring the simple joy of living in Sportsman’s Paradise, nearly every weekend presents the opportunity to taste from every pot and dance the night away at a fair or festival. Before the first note is played or pot stirred, months of planning are put into play, often by a team of volunteers led by a fearless, energetic leader. 

Sulphur native Cameron Fultz is the force behind events such as Live @ the Lakefront, Spring/Holiday Art Walks, Gallery Promenade, Chuck Fest and the Living History Cemetery Tour, all falling under the umbrella of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana.   

Landing at the Arts Council happened somewhat by chance for Fultz. “I started my college journey at McNeese in 2017, pursuing a degree in Music Education,” explains Fultz. “After COVID and the hurricanes of 2020, I found it difficult to get myself motivated for online and hybrid classes. I decided to put a pause on my degree and try my hand at entering the workforce.” 

Fultz applied for the Project Coordinator position at the Arts Council, was hired, and fell in love. He’s been with the nonprofit ever since, serving a brief stint as the Interim Executive Director, returning to his post as Project Coordinator, and then recently officially being named Executive Director. 

Fultz says the planning takes months and includes many fine details. “People can guess the obvious tasks like booking the space, securing permits and developing the marketing efforts. I always have fun working with the bands and agents to book performers, coordinating dates and resources, and contacting food trucks and other vendors.” 

It requires weeks and months of communication with others to coordinate to create the best event possible. “Something that took me time to understand and appreciate is how important building relationships with vendors and volunteers is. Without them, you have no event, and they don’t just show up,” Fultz adds. 

Being a festival coordinator has always required advanced planning, including fundraising, but recent years have brought on some new challenges. “One of the more difficult things we’ve had to deal with is inflation and its side effects,” Fultz explains. “We are extremely grateful for all the wonderful sponsors and donors we receive funds from, but a $25,000 music festival in 2019 looks a lot different than a $25,000 music festival in 2024.” 

Fultz says potential donors are in the same boat as everyone else when it comes to finances, making it very difficult to recruit new resources. “We are looking into alternatives in fundraising methods. This year is going to be a soft reset on how we earn money to upkeep these events and build for the future.” 

Challenges aside, Fultz says that rewards received go beyond the dollars and cents. “At larger events I might not remember names or faces, but I do remember emotions, reactions and expressions. A family bringing their child to their first outdoor music experience, meeting out-of-towners and all of the little Kodak moments in between stay with me long after the stages are broken down.” 

The Council is currently planning Live @ the Lakefront, which kicks off on Friday, March 22. The free music festival held at the Lake Charles Event Center Amphitheatre runs three Fridays, with the other concerts taking place on March 29, and April 5. Spring Art Walk is scheduled for April 27. 

According to Fultz, the purpose behind bringing festivals to the community may differ between organizers, but everyone he’s ever met, at least in the nonprofit sector, simply wants to give the community something to enjoy. “We love seeing the smiling faces, social media posts and the impact these events have on our culture. These events are the ultimate answer to the phrase, ‘there’s never anything to do around here.’ Get out and explore what Southwest Louisiana has to offer!” 

Visit www.artscouncilswla.org to learn more.