Center for the Arts - Frequently Asked Questions

2. What is the mission of the Center for the Arts?
The mission is to establish a regional center in Harford County, accessible to all, to nurture art, artists, and community by providing a broad range of creative and collaborative experiences through quality arts education, presentation and exhibit in the disciplines of music, dance, theater, and the visual, traditional and literary arts.

3. Where will the Center for the Arts be located?
A site has been selected and should be announced in spring 2010. The facility is centrally located in Harford County to provide ease of access for residents from all parts of the County and the region. The location was determined after careful analysis of over 20 available public and private sites that met the site criteria. Also analyzed was future BRAC infrastructure and road improvements; access to public transportation; and partnership opportunities with other institutions.

In a show of support for our efforts to provide a home for the arts, Harford County Executive David Craig graciously invited the Center to move its business offices to Tudor Hall, the historic Booth property located in Bel Air. Until construction of the arts center is completed,Tudor Hall provides excellent office, meeting, reception, and exhibit space to facilitate the mission of the Center. We appreciate this opportunity to reside at Tudor Hall as stewards of the property.

4. Why build a Center for the Arts in Harford County?
There are many advantages – educational, social and economic – to becoming involved in the arts. According to the findings in the research publication, Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development, there are critical links between learning in the arts and academic performance, social skills development, and motivation. Improvement in reading and language development, math, thinking skills, collaboration with others, ability to express emotions, and tolerance and conflict resolution are all benefits of participation in the arts.

The arts develop critical thinking skills. Students who study the arts perform 30% better academically. This is particularly applicable to economically disadvantaged and remedial students, as well as young children. Students who are in strong art programs score well above their peers in standardized tests such as the SAT and the MSPSP. Students who participate in arts programs are more likely to succeed and become leaders in whatever field they choose. Participation in the arts instills a sense of discipline, an appreciation for excellence, and a joy of accomplishment.

The arts are an important economic engine for Harford County as well as the entire State of Maryland. In fiscal year 2007, it is estimated the arts generated $1.2 billion in economic impact for Maryland, according to the latest study released by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). Our internal economic impact study suggests this number for Harford County is in excess of $6.2 million annually. The study, prepared for the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), also showed the arts generated an estimated $43 million in state and local taxes while our study suggested the same number for Harford County would approach $1 million annually. The MSAC study suggested 15,000 full and part-time jobs were created by the arts. Our study conservatively estimates that 245 jobs will be created here in Harford County. Lastly, in addition to the cost of a ticket, individuals are expected to spend on average $22 per person here in Harford County on various sundry activities related to the purchase of the ticket.

5. Will the Center for the Arts be just for accomplished and experienced artists and patrons?
No, the Center for the Arts will be for everyone, of all ages and all abilities, from infants to senior citizens. It will be a home for the arts where people with all skill and experience levels, including those with special needs, will have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in classes, exhibits and performances in music, dance, theater and the visual, traditional and literary arts.

6. How did you determine if a center for the arts is needed in Harford County?
The Harford County Cultural Arts Board and the Center for the Arts, supported by a grant from the Harford County Office of Economic Development, contracted with an arts management consultant, Janis A. Barlow & Associates from Toronto, Canada to prepare a Cultural Plan. This led to a Feasibility Study also prepared by Janis Barlow. When the results of these studies indicated that there was an environment and the demand for an arts center in the region, the Center for the Arts contracted with Robert Corea, an experienced investment banker and financial analyst, to complete a Case Study and Business Plan. This process has been evoluntionary and business-like from its inception.

7. What is a cultural plan?
Cultural planning is a structured, community wide, fact finding and consensus building planning process with the arts community, citizens of all ages, business leaders and public officials to:

Cultural planning is an opportunity for citizens to identify and celebrate their unique cultures and to utilize the arts to shape and create more livable communities. The community has the opportunity to paint a vision for the future of the arts.

The Cultural Plan determined that an environment conducive for the arts exists in Harford County and identified the cultural gaps that exist in the County, such as lack of professional quality, state-of-the-art performance space, and rehearsal and gallery space.

Visit the Vision page to view the Cultural Plan.

8. What does the feasibility study determine?
The Feasibility Study gauges the demand and scope of the Center. The recommendations from the Cultural Plan were used to develop a building program that identifies activities and spatial requirements for the building, preliminary cost projections for construction and operation, and site requirements. The study recommended construction of a facility that includes 100, 400 and 1200 seat theatres, two rehearsal spaces, two galleries, a history of Harford County gallery, and classrooms for art educational activities such as but not limited to filmmaking, pottery, photography, jewelry, theatre, painting, puppetry, creative writing, and bookmaking.

Visit the Vision page to view the Feasibility Study.

9. What is a case study?
The Case Study determined the availability of funds to finance the Center. It analyzed the projected cash flow of Harford County with regard to future proceeds from the income tax, the property tax as well as the borrowing capacity of the County in terms of future bond issues. Economic and demographic indicators both now and projected into the future indicate that Harford County is a vibrant and robust community even without the effect of BRAC. The addition of BRAC only serves to augment an already impressive rate of growth. The Case Study was originally prepared in March 2007 and revised in June 2009 to reflect the current economic conditions.

Visit the Vision page to view the Case Study.

The Business Plan is the estimated budget forecast for the Center from opening day through the first five years of operation. While much was learned analyzing various art centers around the country, the Harford County Center, like the others, is designed to meet the specific needs of the community and region it serves. During the business planning stage, considerable financial modeling was done to determine the revenue stream and costs associated with the Center’s offerings. This highly detailed document includes forecasted income statements, balance sheets and statements of cash flow. The Business Plan confirmed not only the viability of constructing the Center; it also confirmed the sustainability of the Center once constructed and operational. This Business Plan is a living and working document designed to adjust changing circumstances and developments.

11. What happens next?
Announcement of the location of the site in late Fall 2009 will be followed by an architectural/engineering study of the site, and conceptual drawings of the building to use for a capital campaign to raise funds for construction.

12. Does the Center currently present events and performances?
From time to time we will present, but efforts are focused on fundraising and building community awareness of our mission. Harford County is fortunate to have many accomplished arts organizations that have been presenting for years in facilities throughout the region that offer very limited availability. There are many musicians, thespians, ensembles, artists, singers and dancers who, due to a lack of performance, exhibit and education spaces, must limit their activities or travel to facilities outside Harford County to perform.

In 2006, the Center presented the very successful Five-Star Arts Series that included a piano concert by Duke Thompson; the Nutcracker Ballet featuring the Donetsk Ballet from the Ukraine along with young Harford County dancers and the Maryland Conservatory of Music youth orchestra; and the youth theatre production of Remembering Uncle Scrooge. We again presented Remembering Uncle Scrooge in December 2007, an original musical adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, written and directed by Marge Phillips and co-produced by the Center and the Maryland Conservatory of Music. Returning after sold out performances in 2006, this holiday dinner theatre production offered a delightful theatre experience combined with a holiday meal and included a wildly successful children’s matinee performance. In December 2008, the Center partnered with Theatreworks...Live! to present Miracle on 34th Street at the Bel Air Reckord Armory.

13. How may I become involved in the Center for the Arts?
Become a member of the Center and volunteer your time and talents. Volunteers are the heart of our organization, and your time, experience and ideas are invaluable. Consider becoming a Center for the Arts Ambassador; joining a committee such as Events, Marketing, or Membership; volunteering in our offices; researching grant opportunities; and or serving as a Tudor Hall docent.

Visit the Volunteer page for more information on volunteer opportunites and to download a Volunteer Profile.

14. How do I become a member of the Center for the Arts?
Visit the Membership page for the description of various membership levels and their benefits, which include special privileges at area businesses. You can also call 410-838-2177 or e-mail info@CenterForTheArtsHarford.org.