SB Playhouse Square

CLEVELAND, OH – Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined local arts leaders at Playhouse Square as it kicks off the first in-person holiday season in two years, thanks to support from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG). Sen. Brown was a cosponsor of the Save Our Stages legislation that established the SVOG program, and helped pass the American Rescue Plan that expanded the program. The program helped local cultural and entertainment businesses survive the pandemic and reopen, and awarded nearly 400 Ohio venues more than $350 million in initial and supplemental rounds of funding – ranking the state eighth for most amount of money received.

“We know arts venues have been among the hardest hit by the ongoing pandemic,” said Brown. “Because of the investments we made with Save Our Stages and the American Rescue Plan, Playhouse Square is open again, and welcoming families for holiday shows for the first time in two years.”

Brown was joined at the event by local arts leaders who will speak on what the investment means for the community.

“We are grateful for Senator Brown for his leadership in the movement to pass the Save Our Stages legislation that provided critical operating support to Playhouse Square, our resident companies and arts organizations throughout the State of Ohio as we begin our recovery from the prolonged closure caused by COVID-19,” said Gina Vernaci, Playhouse Square President & CEO. “With these dollars, we have been able to put people back to work and make upgrades to provide a healthier environment for artists, guests, staff and volunteers.”

"Without the SVOG funds we would not have had enough funds to continue our training of professional ballet dancers," said Gladisa Guadalupe, the artistic director and co-founder of the Cleveland Ballet. "With SVOG support, our company of 28 professional artists from nine countries was physically and mentally ready to perform on the stages of Playhouse Square."

"Art, in any of its forms, is a universal language of life. And as we are the most fluent beings on Earth, humanity owes it to itself to never stop speaking," said Kevin Baker, a company artist with the Cleveland Ballet. "Coming back to the theaters after so long without dancing  has been a revival, and I am so grateful to be back with my fellow company members on stage."

Playhouse Square received $8 million in SVOG funds, and the Cleveland Ballet which is a resident company of Playhouse Square received more than $50,000.

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