Approval for a resolution to apply for a Chestertown Arts and Entertainment District designation sailed through both the town council and county commission this week.
Town Zoning Administrator Kees de Mooy presented an overview of the benefits the community would receive through the state-wide program with a specific focus on the tax incentives for artists within the district, and the funding of an A & E District Administrator.
The A & E District designation is a key component to Chestertown’s growing art scene and will help local arts and the community at large to be marketed throughout the state via the state Arts and Entertainment District program.
Twenty-two A & E Districts, designed as economic drivers for each region, have been created in Maryland since the program began in 2001.
One requirement for the program to be approved by the State Arts Council is the creation of an A & E District Administrator position. Previously, the council discussed creating a part time position concerned that budget issues would prevent hiring a full-time employee.
De Mooy announced that an anonymous donor, the SFW Foundation, is offering matching funds—with the town— to create the position for three years.
The A & E director would be tasked with overseeing the coordination of the many arts and entertainment events happening throughout the year.
On March 4, State Arts A & E Program director Pamela Dunne visited Chestertown to review Chestertown’s qualifications for a district designation. She was impressed with the enthusiasm, number of stakeholders attending her review and the quality of the Chestertown arts scene.
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