Lake County Times

Rabbit Run Community Arts Association (RRCAA) has been selected as one of the recipients of the Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant. State Rep. Jamie Callender announced the grant program, which is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, and will provide much-needed financial support to the arts and culture sector in Ohio.

The Association will receive a grant of $55,277.61, which will be utilized for various purposes such as employee compensation, recruitment, rehiring, training expenses, rent or mortgage payments, and operating costs. RRCAA is joining the Willoughby Fine Arts Association as the two entities in Lake County to receive a portion of the approximately $45 million in grants distributed by the Ohio Department of Development.

Brint Learned, the Executive Director of the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Arts Economic Relief Grant. He stated, "As with other organizations throughout the State, RRCAA is still dealing with the financial challenges of the last few years. The Arts Economic Relief Grant is providing desperately needed support to the Ohio Arts and Culture Sector. We are deeply grateful to be included among the many fine performing arts organizations to be recognized for their artistic excellence."

Neil Stein, the Executive Director of the Lake County Visitors Bureau, commended RRCAA for its contributions to the community. He acknowledged, "Lake County is so lucky to have the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and Rabbit Run Theater as they provide affordable, high-quality entertainment and educational opportunities in the arts ranging from music to dance to visual arts to top-notch theater productions. Rabbit Run Theater, known locally as 'The Barn,' draws nearly 10,000 attendees annually from all across Ohio, and the region at-large because of the tremendous reputation the theater has cultivated over the years as well as the opportunity for visitors to experience a show in a historic venue unlike anywhere else around."

State Rep. Jamie Callender emphasized the importance of community arts associations like RRCAA. He stated, "Community arts associations provide not only the opportunity to highlight local artists but provide a venue for people of all ages to engage with and learn about the performing and visual arts. Grants like this are key to ensuring Rabbit Run will continue to serve as a vibrant part of our community for years to come."

RRCAA is one of sixteen arts organizations to receive funding through the Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant. The awards were determined based on the organizations' loss in revenue from 2019 to 2021 and their 2022 operating budgets. The Rabbit Run Community Arts Association is home to 19 faculty members and 3 full-time staff, further highlighting its significance in the local arts community.

The Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant will provide much-needed support to RRCAA and the other arts organizations, ensuring their continued contribution to the arts and culture scene in Ohio. RRCAA's grant allocation will be instrumental in sustaining their operations and allowing them to continue providing affordable and high-quality entertainment and educational opportunities to the community.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/jamie-callender/news/rabbit-run-community-arts-association-awarded-ohio-arts-economic-relief-grant-117326