FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2008
Contact:
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission: Jessica Fagan – 614.995.7552; jfagan@culture.ohio.gov
Youngstown Symphony Society: Patricia A. Syak – 330-744-4269; symphony@youngstownsymphony.com
Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission Approves
$250,000 for Youngstown Symphony Society
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $250,000 at its quarterly meeting today for the Youngstown Symphony Society.
Founded in 1935, the Youngstown Symphony Society manages the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and the DeYor Performing Arts Center, which includes the Edward W. Powers Auditorium, Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion, Overture Restaurant, Ford Family Recital Hall, and the Adler Art Academy. State funds will be utilized for construction of an elevator lobby and installation of a two-stop, ADA-compliant elevator in the Adler Art Academy. The new elevator will allow handicapped individuals easy access to the entire facility, will ease freight deliveries, and will provide convenient building access to the general public. The state has previously invested $1.2 million in various facility improvements at the DeYor Performing Arts Center.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows the Youngstown Symphony Society to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 699 of the 126th General Assembly. Mahoning County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senator John Boccieri, Representative Robert Hagan, and former Representatives Kenneth Carano and Sylvester Patton.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed nearly $400 million of capital funds appropriated by the legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at non-profit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues.
The Commission partners with non-profit groups and local governments on nearly 250 projects in 65 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.
