In a time of constant threat to funding, elimination of the National Endowment, and competition over resources, philanthropy in the arts and culture sector is indispensable to the vibrancy and economic development of a city's core. The arts and culture sector is considered to take away from an economy's financial resources. However, it is the exact opposite. It is a thriving sector that contributes to the economy by creating jobs, spending money at local businesses, and bringing in cultural tourists. Fred Bidwell and Rick Rogers have a long history of philanthropy in this sector, and their demonstrated support has led to efforts of revitalization, vibrancy, and dollars spent in the cities of Akron and Cleveland. This thesis explores the history, issues, and successes of the two cultural producers' philanthropy efforts in the sector and the impact that their support has brought to the Northeast Ohio region
Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, Mich. : ProQuest, 2021
