COLUMBUS – Facing opposition from a grassroots organization of central Ohio residents, the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s proposed 7 percent ticket fee to support the arts and fund Nationwide Arena has found some support from a coalition of artists, business leaders and others.
Protect Art 4 Columbus, consisting of neighborhood leaders, small business owners, parents, retirees, artists, art patrons and sports fans, on Thursday announced it was backing the ticket fee currently under consideration by Columbus City Council.
“The data shows that nearly half a billion dollars in economic activity, 15,000 jobs and the attraction of millions of visitors to Columbus are attributable to our arts, cultural, sports and entertainment sector,” said co-chair Mark Corna, retired CEO of Corna Kokosing Construction Company.
The proposal asks the city to add a 7 percent fee on all tickets and admissions over $10 to cultural and entertainment events, including professional sports at venues that accommodate more than 400 people. The funds would be used to support arts and cultural organizations, festivals and provide grants to artists.
“With the ticket fee, we can double arts education opportunities for children to more than 1.5 million each year,” said co-chair Stefanie Coe, an attorney and Southwest Side neighborhood activist. “We have a community obligation to ensure there is a sustainable future for arts education and outreach programs and the many children who depend on those efforts.”
Thirty percent of the funds would go to Nationwide Arena for capital improvements, which has prompted the group called Advocates for Responsible Taxation to call the tax an “arena bailout,” and the group has vowed to begin a petition drive to place a referendum on the fee on the ballot if city council approves the request.