The Chamber hosted Mr. David Mitchell, Program Director at the MD State Arts Council on Sept 10.  Mr. Mitchell presented an overview of the Arts and Entertainment District program.  This program allows local governments to leverage the arts to further revitalization and economic development priorities.  The program creates a unique destination that attracts audiences, artists and arts organizations to MD cities.  Havre de Grace is one of 29 districts across the state.   The designation provides for incentives such as Income Tax Subtraction, Amusement Tax Abatement and Property Tax incentives.  These incentives help the artists, the property owners and the organizations.  The economic impact of attendee spending across these districts in 2023 provided over 940 jobs, $111.1M in income and attracted over 2.1 million people at the festivals and events. (FY2023 MD Arts and Entertainment District Economic and Tax Impact Analysis Report.)

The luncheon was enjoyed by approximately 50 people, including artists and representatives of Harford County Arts Council, HdG Arts Collective, Arts by the Bay Gallery and Harmer's Town Art Center.  The extensive question and answer session ranged from artist incentives, the business of art, and educational opportunities, with energetic discussion of the topics. 

Mr Mitchell's briefing is attached here.