The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original has been running at a financial deficit the last few years. Event organizers put the annual losses at a range from $5,700 to $8,000.
Ann Arbor City Council is dedicating $10,000 to it's community events fund to help cover anticipated losses in 2014. City Council Member Christopher Taylor explains that the unique importance of the art fair makes it worth supporting.
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Overall, the city charges the four art fairs about $60,000 for barriers, extra safety services, and trash removal. $8,000 is paid by the original art fair. This fair also pays rent to the University of Michigan and has limited sponsorship options because it's located on campus.
Christopher Taylor also says that the the other three art fairs haven't requested funding from the city, but did write in support of the original art fair receiving assistance. He says the unique importance of the art fair to the city makes this investment worthwhile and doesn't serve as a precedent for funding other events.
Listen to Andrew Cluley's full report.
— Andrew Cluley is a reporter and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him aCluley@emich.edu.
