Cuyahoga County to Vote on Arts Levy

Cuyahoga County residents will have an opportunity to vote on a tax issue November 7 that could provide up to $20 million a year over the next ten years for Greater Clevelandís arts and cultural community.

Issue 18 proposes a 30-cent per pack tax on cigarettes that would be used to provide a dedicated source of revenue to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations and projects. It is estimated that the arts and cultural sector currently generates an estimated $1 billion in annual economic activity in Cuyahoga County.

Grants will be awarded in four categories — operating support for arts and cultural organizations; project support; artist support for residences in schools or neighborhood-based community centers or creation of innovative new work; and extraordinary initiatives that promise unusual community benefit or meet emergency organizational needs.

More information on Issue 18 is available at www.cuyahogaartsandculture.org.