Leadership in Action
Source: Cleveland Magazine
Date: March 21, 2024
Abstract: Discover what it means to be a leader — and what issues they face — in Cleveland in 2024. By Jill Sell
Superman can lift cars over his head, bounce bullets off his chest and crush coal into diamonds with his hands. He’s capable of freezing people with his breath and melting objects with heat beams from his eyes. If the occasion warrants it, the superhero can even alter the orbit of the planets…
…
Cleveland’s arts and culture scene historically has been the envy of many other cities. In addition to the priceless contributions to education, creativity and the nourishment of our souls, the economic boost the region receives from museums, concerts, theater, etc., is impressive. According to the City of Cleveland Planning Commission, “the arts contribute more than $1.3 billion annually to the regional economy.”
“Cleveland also has one of the most publicly and privately supported arts communities in the country,” says Jeremy Johnson, who has been president and CEO of Assembly for the Arts, a regional arts council, since 2021.
ASSEMBLY FOR THE ARTS LAUNCHES APPLICATIONS FOR TWO ARTIST SUPPORT PROGRAMS
CLEVELAND, April 9, 2024 — Applications for two major artist funding programs under Assembly for the Arts will open this month. The application for the Creative Impact Fund is now open, and applications for the Rapid Action Grant will open on Tuesday, April 30.
The two programs are made possible by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and will provide flexible (unrestricted) funding and project grants to about 40 artists across Cuyahoga County. Both grant programs are open to artists of all disciplines.
| Program | Program Overview | Eligible Disciplines | # of Artist Awards | $ per Artist Award | Application Period |
| Creative Impact Fund | Unrestricted funds | Open to all creative disciplines | 17 | $10,000 | Friday, April 5 to Friday, May 31, 2024 |
| Rapid Action Grant | Project-based funds | Open to all creative disciplines | 10-20 | $500 to $2,000 | April 30 to December, 2024 (or until funds are distributed) |
The 2024 Creative Impact Fund has been redesigned from its inaugural 2023 version, and the changes are a direct result of a community engagement initiative that Assembly completed in 2023. This included hosting a series of discussions and a survey to hear directly from artists about their funding needs. The goal of this year’s Creative Impact Fund is to encourage the growth of artists’ creative practice and advance their impact on the region. Open to individual Cuyahoga County-based artists of all creative disciplines, 17 artists will each be awarded $10,000 in unrestricted funds (sometimes called flexible funds). In addition, they will receive professional and business development opportunities, mentorship and networking opportunities, and an Assembly for the Arts membership. Applications are due May 31, 2024.
Rapid Action Grants will range from $500 to $2,000. The goal of the Rapid Action Grant is to provide easy to access funds for Cuyahoga County-based artists. Artists and creatives may request up to $2,000 to support their arts-centered public projects, events or needs that are specific to their creative practice. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until $14,000 in funds have been distributed.
Deidre McPherson, Chief Community Officer of Assembly for the Arts, stressed that artists of all disciplines and in all corners of Cuyahoga County should apply for these funds. “Assembly for the Arts wants these grant programs to help a variety of creatives across Greater Cleveland. We have worked to make the application process as simple as possible, and our team is available to help any artist who needs assistance completing the application,” McPherson said. ”We’re asking all of our community partners to spread the word so we can reach as many artists as possible.”
Creative Impact Fund Information Sessions
Assembly will host a series of in-person and virtual information sessions for interested applicants to learn about the CIF application processes.
- Thursday, April 11 (6:00-7:00 pm)
B-Side at the Grog Shop: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 - Thursday, April 18 (12:00-1:00 pm)
Virtual Session via Zoom
The virtual session will be recorded and posted to Assembly’s website at https://assemblycle.org/cifprogram2024/. - Wednesday, May 8 (6:00-7:00 pm)
Cuyahoga County Public Library, Warrensville Heights Branch: 4415 Northfield Road, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128 - Wednesday, May 22 (6:00-7:00 pm)
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland: 6705 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
Learn more about the Creative Impact Fund and register to attend an upcoming information session at https://assemblycle.org/cifprogram2024/. Details about the Rapid Action Grant and other funding opportunities for individual artists and creatives is available at https://assemblycle.org/artistfunding/.
###
Assembly for the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a focus on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity initiatives, research, marketing that elevates the region, and services for nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses. It is governed by a volunteer board with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Assembly by design operates in close partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, a government agency, and Assembly for Action, a 501(c)4 political action nonprofit to serve the entire creative sector. Assembly is supported through major funding from: The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Ohio Arts Council, Huntington, KeyBank, The George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation, and Fred & Laura Ruth Bidwell. www.assemblycle.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Malissa Bodmann
malissa@compellingcommunicationsllc.com
216-536-7517