County Council Members Considering $3.25 Million Allocation For Arts

The Montgomery County Council introduced legislation on Tuesday to allocate $3,250,000 to arts groups to help them recover from the effects of the pandemic when performing and visual arts, concerts and film venues were all cancelled.

“From our largest venue to our smallest, all are hurting,” said Councilmember Craig Rice.

A public hearing is set for July 7 at 1:30 p.m.

The allocation “is an acknowledgement the critical role they will be playing in our healing” as the performances start up again, Councilman Gabe Albornoz said.

The county expects to use federal grant money and other federal and state allocations to cover the costs of this allocation.

According to information from the county council office, “Compared to surrounding jurisdictions, Montgomery County’s arts and humanities sector has experienced the highest loss in revenue due to canceled performances, exhibitions and events since Maryland Governor Hogan’s Executive Order to close performing and visual arts, concert and film venues and museums.”

About Suzanne Pollak

Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers, magazines, non-profit newsletters and the web.

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