Arts at work

Cumberland Times-News

December 05, 2008 09:16 am

— Frostburg city leaders and businesses received good news Thursday in the form of state approval for an arts and entertainment district.
The Mountain City now joins Cumberland as one of about 18 such districts in Maryland. Others in Western Maryland include Hagerstown and downtown Frederick.
Arts districts are important in a variety of ways and are used by cities as a means of attracting arts and cultural facilities to complement business districts.
Maryland is the nation’s first state to have established arts districts as a way to stimulate the economy and improve quality of life. Property tax credits, a tax break on art-related income, and exemptions from the admissions and amusement tax are among tools arts districts may use to enhance the economy.
Now, arts districts can be found around the country as cities and states have discovered how the districts can improve quality of life.
Cumberland’s arts district has been flourishing for several years and has been credited by city officials as being a magnet for artists and entrepreneurs who are now making their home in the Queen City.
Frostburg already has a strong arts community in place. Having an official arts and entertainment district will only help bring even more attention to the many plusses the community has to offer.

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