University Circle Inc. Endorses the Proposed Renewal of the Arts & Culture Levy

Posted June 25, 2015 in Press Releases

Cleveland, OH (June 24, 2015) – At an Executive Committee meeting on June 23, University Circle Inc.’s (UCI) Board of Trustees voted unanimously to support the proposed renewal of the arts & culture levy. The levy calls for the renewal of an existing cigarette tax in Cuyahoga County, and should appear on the ballot this November. The cigarette tax generates more than $15 million annually and supports more than 300 arts, cultural, educational, and community organizations, and 2,300 programs throughout the county. The levy will not raise taxes.

“Cuyahoga County takes tremendous pride in its arts & cultural programs and organizations,” said Chris Ronayne, president of UCI. “Through the generosity of the taxpayers, many of University Circle’s world class museums and institutions are able to offer a wide variety of events and educational programs that benefit people of all ages. Here at UCI, we have used the funding to support events such as WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays, which are free to attend and draw thousands of people to the area each week. We hope to see this good work continued for the next ten years with the renewal of the levy.”

Dr. Evalyn Gates, executive director and CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in University Circle, shared similar thoughts. “Support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture has been instrumental in allowing us to share the amazing treasures of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to enrich our community in so many ways,” Gates said. “We have been able to pioneer effective and innovative education programs, connect and reconnect people with nature, and create partnerships with other cultural institutions that showcase the important links between the arts, science and nature. Renewing the arts and culture levy is critical to building on the incredible strengths of all of the unique cultural gems of University Circle for the benefit of northeast Ohio and visitors from around the world.”

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About University Circle Inc.
University Circle Inc. is the development, service, and advocacy organization responsible for the growth of University Circle as a premier urban district and world-class center of innovation in health care, education, and arts & culture.