Senate passes Sen. Daughtry bill to create grant program for arts venues

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, the Senate voted in favor of a bill introduced by Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick to support performing arts and film venues. An amended version of LD 1641, “An Act To Ensure Continued Access to Film and Stage Theaters and Music Venues,” received unanimous bipartisan support. 

“It’s been a hard year for all of us, especially those in the film and performing arts industries,” said Sen. Daughtry. “Theaters and music venues contribute so much to our economy and enliven our society. Theaters were hit exceptionally hard during the COVID-19 crisis. We need to do what we can to support these businesses as they begin to reopen and get back on their feet. LD 1641 provides an economic lifeline and fills the holes left by the federal government.”  

LD 1641 would mirror federal funding statutes for grants and fill in gaps left by federal shuttered venue grants. LD 1641 would create a grant-funded program within Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to provide financial support to theaters and music venues to act as a bridge from now to when they are able to operate normally. This bill helps arts businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic to stay afloat. The grants, administered by DECD, can fund projects ranging from measures such as operations to implementing safety precautions.  

LD 1641 faces further votes in the Legislature. ###