Havre de Grace hopes tax breaks, designation attract the arts

(Examiner) - Havre de Grace will strive to draw more art galleries, theaters and festivals with the help of newly approved grants and tax breaks. Gov. Martin O’Malley designated Havre de Grace and Annapolis as the state’s latest arts and entertainment districts, which provide incentives for investors and artists to create cultural attractions while drawing artists to live and work in the area.
Artists who live in Harford County and sell their work within Havre de Grace’s waterfront business district can get income tax credits to be determined by the state, said Mitch Shank, chairman of the Havre de Grace Main Street Arts and Entertainment Committee. The city already has about 15 art galleries, with the potential for more studios, theaters and festivals, he said. Continued

Photo: Amtrak Sunrise, Havre de Grace, Maryland by Kim Choate