Smith, Callender Announce Legislation to Support Arts and Culture

This week, state Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid) and state Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord) announced new legislation to bolster small music venues and the creative arts economy across the state.

"I am proud to stand with the owners of our cherished music venues, my fellow legislator, and arts leaders to unveil a bill that supports our vibrant creative community,” said Smith. “This legislation is designed to sustain and strengthen our local music scene, recognizing its crucial role in enriching our quality of life and boosting our local economy. By investing in these cultural treasures, we affirm that the arts are not just a part of our community—they are the heartbeat of it."

“Senator Smith has a long history of advocacy for local musicians and venues,” said Callender. “ This bill aims to ensure that local venues are able to continue attracting the next generation of musicians and music lovers alike, and I am supportive of anything that helps our local venues.”

The proposed bill, set to be introduced soon, would allocate sales tax revenue from alcohol sales at qualifying venues into a special fund managed by the Department of Development. This fund, capped at $10 million annually, would offer rebates of up to $100,000 per venue to enhance their sustainability and impact.