Rabbit Run gets $55,200 through ARPA funding

Nov. 5—Rabbit Run Community Arts Association will be among the recipients of the third round of Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant, announced state Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord.

Passed as part of House Bill 45, this grant program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA, according to a news release.

The association will receive $55,277.61 to be used toward employee compensation, recruitment, rehiring, training expenses, rent or mortgage payments, and operating costs.

RRCAA joins the Willoughby Fine Arts Association as the two entities in Lake County to receive part of the approximately $45 million in grants distributed by the Ohio Department of Development.

"As with other organizations throughout the State, RRCAA is still dealing with the financial challenges of the last few years," Brint Learned, executive director of the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, stated in the release. "The Arts Economic Relief Grant is providing desperately needed support to the Ohio Arts and Culture Sector.

"We are deeply grateful to be included among the many fine performing arts organizations to be recognized for their artistic excellence."

Neil Stein, executive director of the Lake County Visitors Bureau, noted that Rabbit Run Theater, known locally as "The Barn," draws nearly 10,000 attendees annually from all across Ohio, and the region at-large.

"Community arts associations provide not only the opportunity to highlight local artists but provide a venue for people of all ages to engage with and learn about the performing and visual arts," Callender stated in the release. "Grants like this are key to ensuring Rabbit Run will continue to serve as a vibrant part of our community for years to come."

RRCAA is one of 16 arts organizations to receive funding. Awards were determined by organizations' loss in revenue from 2019 to 2021 and their 2022 operating budgets, according to the release.

Rabbit Run is home to 19 faculty members and 3 full-time staff.