A story in some editions of The Sun yesterday incorrectly stated the amount of money Baltimore contributed to Artscape since a disputed transfer of money from a group that managed Artscape funds to a foundation in 1986. The city has contributed several hundred thousand dollars to the festival.
The Sun regrets the error.
More than $700,000 that had been donated to Artscape, Baltimore's summer arts festival, belongs to the city government, a court ruled yesterday, and should be returned immediately by the organization that holds it, which is controlled by close associates of Gov. William Donald Schaefer.
FOR THE RECORD - CORRECTION
The decision by Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Mabel Houze Hubbard is a political and moral victory for Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke, who has maintained that the money was originally donated to the city by corporations and foundations to support Artscape, the art and musical festival held in Bolton Hill in mid-July for the past 10 years.
The Artscape money was raised when Mr. Schaefer was mayor. When he was elected governor in 1986, control of the Artscape money was transferred to a newly created non-profit organization, the Maryland Community Foundation, directed by some of Mr. Schaefer's top aides. After Mayor Schmoke took office in 1987, he began to try to get the money back for the city.
The dispute over control of the funds -- which are now estimated to amount to between $700,000 and $800,000 -- has become symbolic of the bitter relations between Mr. Schmoke and Mr. Schaefer.
"This is a very substantial victory not only for the city of Baltimore and for the people who donated money to Artscape, but it is also a victory for the people who live in Baltimore and surrounding areas who benefit from the artistic and cultural events sponsored by Artscape," said City Solicitor Neal A. Janey.
Judge Hubbard ruled that the Baltimore Arts Festival, the non-profit organization set up to receive and manage Artscape donations, was in fact a city agency and that all money collected by it on behalf of Artscape was subject to city control. The ruling said the contract between Baltimore Arts Festival and the city precluded the transfer of money.
Mr. Janey said that the mayor was pleased with Judge Hubbard's decision but would not comment until he had an opportunity to read it and discuss it with the city's attorneys.
