ASHLAND, Ky. — The City of Ashland has taken the initial step to transfer operations of the historic Paramount Arts Center to an Iowa-based management firm.

Following the city’s purchase of the theater’s Winchester Avenue properties last year, the Paramount’s nonprofit board has continued to oversee the theater’s operations through a lease agreement with the city.

With that lease expiring Dec. 31, the City of Ashland’s Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the first reading of a contract agreement with VenuWorks and AP3 LLC to takeover operations and management of the theater for a five-year term.

According to its website and from information provided by the City of Ashland, VenuWorks operates several entertainment venues across the United States, including numerous performing arts

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