[NEohioPAL]Public Funding for the Arts and Economic Development - MODA Event on Issue 31

[Kevin Cronin]

List: Over recent months, you've heard a bit about issue 31, the arts and 
economic development levy that will be on the Cuyahoga County ballot on 
March 2nd.  On Wednesday, February 18, supporters of the levy are hosting a 
FREE event at MODA (1871 West 25th Street -- near the West Side Market -- 
FREE parking in the back). Again - Admission will be FREE for all -- for 
those who want to come support Issue 31, and those who just want to learn 
more about it. Doors will open at 5:30, and we'll have a brief presentation 
on Issue 31 at 7:15p.m.

To recap Issue 31:
* Half of the $21 million expected ot be raised will be used to retain jobs 
and attract new ones.  These are more traditional economic development 
tools, like cleaning up contaminated land so it can be put back into use, 
subsidizing loans for businesses seeking to expand, assisting small 
businesses, retraining workers, supporting tourist-attractive events like 
the Gravity Games or the International Children’s Games and rehabilitating 
old buildings for modern needs.

* The other half, about $10.5 million, will support arts and culture that 
have significant impact in the county.  Purposes will include matching 
dollars for operating support, support for individual artists as “artists in 
residence” in schools or neighborhoods, a special initiatives fund for 
collaboration on new major projects and support for arts organizations and 
other nonprofits wishing to use arts or cultural activities to strengthen 
neighborhoods.

For the average homeowner, it's a $2/month investment in our future.  Over 
the last three years, Cuyahoga County lost over 40,000 jobs, more than 
one-quarter of all the job loss in the state.   This levy is an attempt to 
do something in a new way to strengthen the Cleveland economy, while 
recognizing that arts matter.  The arts create $1.3 billion in economic 
activity and employ thousands in our county.

For more information on Issue 31, check out www.issue31.org.

Protect Jobs… Create Jobs... Vote for Issue 31.

Kevin Cronin
Bodwin Theatre Company
Cleveland
216.374.7578

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