Conroe City Council approved $195,000 in arts and cultural grants alongside a $65,000 project to replace the Owen Theatre’s digital marquee signs Sept. 24.
The details
The arts grants will support eligible organizations during the 2026-27 grant year, which begins Oct. 1. Administered by Visit Conroe, the program is funded through hotel occupancy tax revenue. The council awarded $210,000 through the program for FY 2025-26, according to prior reporting.
Staff told the council all organizations on the recommended recipient list would receive the full amounts they requested.
The grants operate as reimbursements, meaning organizations must submit receipts for eligible expenses before receiving payment. Staff said recipients can submit those receipts monthly or annually and must reapply for funding each year.
During public comments, representatives of local arts organizations thanked the council for its support and described how their work brings visitors downtown, supports businesses and creates opportunities for residents to participate in theater, music, art and history.
A closer look
Council also awarded AlphaGraphics of Conroe a $65,000 contract to replace both digital display boards on the Owen Theatre marquee with full-color LED signs.
According to the purchasing recommendation, staff evaluated proposals based on factors including equipment, warranties and completion time. AlphaGraphics submitted the second-lowest bid and was recommended as the best value for the city.
During the discussion, staff said the lowest proposal—about $15,000—appeared insufficient to replace both signs. Council also raised questions about the new displays’ readability, including how the spacing of the LEDs would affect the clarity of lettering.
Staff said repairs to the marquee’s neon portion had already been completed. The approved contract covers the LED displays, with replacement expected to take approximately five weeks once the contract and equipment arrangements are underway.
Mayor Duke Coon urged the city to continue maintaining the theater.
“Let’s commit to keep it up and running and make Conroe proud,” Coon said.
