Rabbit Run Community Arts Association Awarded Ohio Arts Economic Relief Grant

COLUMBUS—Rabbit Run Community Arts Association (RRCAA) 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 HB 45 (134th General Assembly), this grant program is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. 

The Association will receive $55,277.61 to be used towards 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,” said Brint Learned, Executive Director of the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association. “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."

“Lake County is so lucky to have the Rabbit Run Community Arts Association and Rabbit Run Theater as they provide affordable, high-quality entertainment and educational opportunities in the arts ranging from music to dance to visual arts to top-notch theater productions,” said Neil Stein, Executive Director of the Lake County Visitors Bureau. “Rabbit Run Theater, known locally as “The Barn,” draws nearly 10,000 attendees annually from all across Ohio, and the region at-large, because of the tremendous reputation the theater has cultivated over the years as well as the opportunity for visitors to experience a show in a historic venue unlike anywhere else around.”

“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,” said Callender. “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 sixteen arts organizations to receive funding. Awards were determined by organizations’ loss in revenue from 2019 to 2021 and their 2022 operating budgets. Rabbit Run is home to 19 faculty members and 3 full-time staff.