2023-2024 Annual Report
What a year! As we reflect on the past fiscal calendar, July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, a defining moment for our region was the awe-inspiring solar eclipse we witnessed together. Just as the sun and moon aligned to create an unforgettable collective experience for northeast Ohioans, so did Assembly focus its mission to unify and impact Cleveland’s creative sector, advocating for resources, equity, and support for artists and cultural organizations alike.
In the pages of this annual report we spotlight some of the milestones. The photos reflect the incredible artists and programs that were part of the first cohort of the Creative Impact Fund. We highlight the impact of our advocacy with government partners, which led to the naming of a senior strategist in Cleveland City Hall and a $3M investment in artist-led projects across the city. We participated in a national economic study, AEP6, that quantified the local dollars and jobs generated by the arts and culture industry. Our efforts with state and county officials led to ground-breaking legislation. It will allow Cuyahoga County voters the option to replace and grow a cigarette levy that could generate $160M over 10 years for cultural nonprofits. And there’s so much more.
These movements have led us to declare 2023-2024 as the Year of the Levy and the Year of Individual artists.
Please continue to follow and support Assembly by becoming a member. Your engagement helps elevate and invest in an arts and culture sector that benefits all of us. Thanks for your partnership!
Gratefully,
Jeremy V. Johnson
President and CEO Assembly for the Arts
CLEVELAND COUNCILMAN KEVIN CONWELL RECEIVES ANNUAL LEADERSHIP AWARD FROM AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS AND THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES
Thursday, November 14, 2024 — Americans for the Arts and the National League of Cities present Councilman Kevin Conwell of Cleveland, Ohio, with the 2024 Public Leadership in the Arts Award for a City Council Member. This award honors city council members who have consistently advocated for pro-arts legislation, funding, and promotion in their communities.
“Americans for the Arts is proud to honor Councilman Kevin Conwell for his steadfast dedication to enrichening Cleveland through the arts,” said Jamie Bennett and Suzy Delvalle, Interim Co-CEOs of Americans for the Arts. “Conwell’s leadership demonstrates a profound commitment to creating spaces where arts and culture can flourish, strengthening community bonds and improving the quality of life of all residents.”
Conwell has served on Cleveland’s City Council since 2001, representing Ward 9, which includes most of Glenville —where he grew up— and University Circle, named the country’s best arts district by USA TODAY in 2021.
Ward 9 is home to internationally acclaimed cultural landmarks such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Western Reserve Historical Society, as well as community-based organizations including CAL, The Music Settlement, and Cleveland Cultural Gardens.
Councilman Conwell is widely recognized as an enthusiastic champion of arts and culture, consistently highlighting their benefits to communities. As a percussionist himself, Conwell believes the arts have played a role in helping him overcome health challenges.
“I’m honored to receive this award and gratified that people in the Northeast Ohio arts community nominated me,” said Councilman Kevin Conwell. “I’ve spent most of my life involved in the arts, specifically music. My belief that art has the power to transform children’s lives and enhance communities economically and by creating a sense of belonging has been a guiding principle in my life.”
In 2022, Conwell was appointed chair of Cleveland City Council’s Health and Human Services Committee, which he renamed the Health, Human Services, and Arts Committee, demonstrating his commitment to advancing arts and culture. The committee now oversees matters related to the visual and performing arts.
He also collaborated with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to spearhead legislation establishing the city’s first cabinet-level arts strategist in 2023. This year, Conwell was a major proponent of nonpartisan Issue 55, a levy expected to generate approximately $160 million over a decade for 400 arts and cultural nonprofits.
“Councilman Conwell’s passion for uplifting and advancing the arts and culture in Cleveland is unparalleled,” said NLC CEO & Executive Director Clarence E Anthony. “This honor reflects his dedication to developing the Cleveland arts community. We applaud Councilman Conwell’s leadership and join the Cleveland community in celebrating this recognition.”
As an outspoken activist on social services issues, Conwell has consistently advocated for low-income families, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and the unemployed. In 2019, he led the creation of a program to distribute used musical instruments to Cleveland children from underprivileged backgrounds.
Following the pandemic, Councilman Conwell sponsored legislation to direct funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support struggling individuals and neighborhoods, establishing a $3 million Transformative Arts Fund for public art projects and artist-led initiatives. He worked diligently to raise awareness among minority and senior artists about their eligibility for $1.5 million in Cuyahoga County ARPA funds designated for individual artists.
“Councilman Conwell lives and breathes the arts every day. Cleveland area residents applaud his advocacy for pro-arts legislation on the Cleveland City Council, his active involvement in supporting arts education for youth, and his prowess as a practicing musician who inspires with his percussive rhythms,” said Jeremy Johnson, President and CEO of Assembly for the Arts .
Through his tireless dedication, Conwell has profoundly impacted arts policy and funding within Ward 9 and beyond, revealing the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives and strengthen communities.
For more information, follow @Americans4Art.
Established in 1960, Americans for the Arts (AFTA) is the nation's leading nonprofit organization advocating for the arts at the federal level in the United States. AFTA is committed to representing and serving local communities while fostering equitable access to the arts.
Contact:
Mariaesmeralda Paguaga
mpaguaga@artsusa.org
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Cuyahoga County Passes Issue 55, the Cigarette Tax to Continue Funding the Arts
Date: November 5, 2024
Source: Cleveland SCENE
Abstract:
Residents on Tuesday passed Issue 55 by a wide margin, with about 72% supporting a tax hike on cigarettes and tobacco products to continue to fund the arts through Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
The independent government entity will now receive more money from the revised tax—three-and-a-half cents more per smoke, up from its current tax rate of one-and-a-half cents — to turn over to artists and arts groups through grants. With smoking rates decreasing, annual funding had dipped from $20 million to $10 million over the past two decades.
Arts and culture funding extended as voters back Issue 55
Date: November 5, 2024
Source: Signal Cleveland
Abstract:
Cuyahoga County voters approved a cigarette tax that will continue to provide arts and culture funding in the county.
Here are the unofficial results as of midnight with 342,091 (71.52%) votes for the measure and 136,222 (28.48%) votes against.
Cuyahoga County cigarette tax proponents claim victory as strong vote tally continues
Date: November 5, 2024
Source: Cleveland.com
Abstract:
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Proponents of raising Cuyahoga County’s cigarette tax to pay for the arts are claiming victory as the ballot measure continues to garner strong support into Tuesday night.
With 478,313 votes counted, 342,091 votes (71.5%) have been cast for Issue 55 and 136,222 votes (28.5%) have been cast against it. So far, 902 of 967 precincts have reported. Absentee ballots have also been counted.
Cuyahoga County Voters Pass Issue 55, Secure Vital Funding for Our Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2024
Cuyahoga County Voters Pass Issue 55, Secure Vital Funding for Our Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene
Cuyahoga County, OH — 11/5 — “The decision by voters to invest additional public resources in Cuyahoga County’s vibrant arts and culture organizations is a testament to the impact it has on our community,” said Assembly for Action’s President and CEO, Jeremy Johnson. This is a monumental decision by Cuyahoga County voters who for the 3rd time in 18 years voted for public funding for nonprofit arts and culture organizations throughout the county. With the approval of this measure, the existing tax on cigarettes will be adjusted, ensuring an estimated $160 million in funding over the next decade. This crucial support will allow Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) to continue enriching Cuyahoga County’s arts and culture landscape through grants that reach a diverse range of nonprofit organizations.
“We are profoundly grateful for the passage of Issue 55. This victory represents a commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and economic growth in our community. Thanks to Cuyahoga County voters, we can continue supporting the organizations and those individuals that benefit from this public investment,” said Chinenye Nkemere, Assembly for the Arts Board Chair.
“The passage of Issue 55 is a powerful vote of confidence for our region’s arts and culture sector. It means we can increase vibrancy in our neighborhoods, boost our economy, provide more education opportunities for young people, and make the arts accessible for all,” said Fred Bidwell, Assembly for Action Board Chair.
CAC, the public agency that invests millions of dollars each year to support the work of hundreds of local arts nonprofits through the use of this cigarette ta, has faced declining revenues as cigarette sales have decreased. By increasing the tax rate from 1.5 cents to 3.5 cents per cigarette, this measure addresses the funding shortfall, enabling CAC to better serve communities, including economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, with free or low-cost programming.
"The passage of Issue 55 is a huge win for Cuyahoga County’s arts and culture community. Our residents have demonstrated an incredible commitment to sustaining the arts and cultural nonprofits that make our region thrive. This funding will allow us to continue making grants that support diverse, accessible, and inspiring arts and culture initiatives that benefit everyone in the county," said Karolyn Isenhart, Board President of Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. "We thank every voter who recognized the importance of the arts to our economy, our neighborhoods, our young people, and our shared quality of life."
Public funding for nonprofit arts and culture benefits everyone. This increased, longer-term funding will help improve educational outcomes, enhance quality of life, build stronger neighborhoods, and continue to provide family supporting jobs while keeping us on the world stage.. Funding from Issue 55 will continue to touch every corner of Cuyahoga County, impacting the prosperity of hundreds of nonprofit organizations for years to come.
“This support empowers organizations like The Music Settlement to expand and deepen our mission of welcoming and inspiring all to our music and arts community to learn, create, celebrate and heal. This means creating inclusive spaces - where learning flourishes, creativity thrives, celebrations take place, and healing is nurtured - ensuring that the arts are accessible to all, fostering a sense of belonging and connection across our neighborhoods.” said Geralyn M. Presti, President and CEO of The Music School Settlement.
“We’re grateful to our neighbors throughout Cuyahoga County for endorsing the value that arts and culture has on the region, and that, along with our friends and partners at other cultural institutions, we’ll be able to continue to fund programs and events that benefit our communities and have a significant economic impact for all of Northeast Ohio.” said Greg Harris, CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"We are deeply grateful to the citizens of Cuyahoga County for their support of arts and culture," said Great Lakes Theater's Executive Director, Brian Barasch. "The vital public funding provided by Issue 55 allows us to enrich our community with dynamic performances and impactful arts education programs, which engage over 80,000 adults and students across our region each year. It also enables us to provide valuable jobs for artists, educators, and theater professionals. We are proud to contribute to a thriving cultural landscape that strengthens Northeast Ohio and fosters a more connected future."
Cuyahoga County's vote for Issue 55 is a clear message that residents believe in the power of arts and culture to help make our communities stronger, healthier, and better. This investment ensures that Cuyahoga County will be known as a vibrant center for the arts, attracting residents, businesses, and visitors who value a community rich in cultural experiences.
About Assembly for Action:
Assembly for Action is a c4 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting sustainable funding for arts and culture in Cuyahoga County. Assembly for the Action is a key advocate for the expansion of the excise tax on cigarettes working to mobilize voter support and highlight the vital role of arts and culture in the community. Through targeted outreach and education, Assembly aims to ensure the continued vitality and funding of the arts sector.
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Contact:
Jeff Rusnak, 216-970-8888
Izzy Stewart, 440-731-7602
Cuyahoga County Issue 55 passes, increasing the cigarette tax for the arts
Date: November 6, 2024
Source: ideastream
Abstract:
About 70% of voters approved increasing the cigarette tax funding the arts in Cuyahoga County Tuesday.
A 30-cent-per-pack tax was first passed by voters in 2006, but revenues have dropped by about half as fewer people light up. Issue 55 more than doubles the tax per pack to 70 cents. The funds are distributed by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Ideastream Public Media receives a portion of its funding from CAC and also contributed to the Issue 55 campaign.
Voters said “yes” to fund hundreds of arts and culture nonprofits across Cuyahoga County, provide millions of creative experiences for residents through January 2035
CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County voters approved Issue 55, a replacement and expansion of the cigarette tax that funds Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The new, increased tax replaces CAC’s sole revenue source, which would have expired in January 2027. The tax will provide additional funds over a 10-year period for CAC to invest in hundreds of local arts and culture nonprofit organizations that provide arts experiences for residents of every zip code in the county.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) is a political subdivision funded by a tax on cigarettes that was first approved by voters in 2006 and reapproved in 2015. Since 2007, CAC has made over 4,000 grants totaling $247 million to 485 nonprofits. The new tax could generate an estimated $160 million over the next 10 years, increasing levels of support after years of steady decline.
Karolyn Isenhart, president of Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation for voters’ confidence in CAC. “We thank the voters of Cuyahoga County for their continued support for public funding for arts and culture,” she said. “We also thank Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, the members of County Council, and every elected official, nonprofit, and business leader whose commitment to public funding for arts and culture made this result possible.”
The passage of Issue 55 replaces the current tax of 15 mills (1½ cents) per cigarette sold in Cuyahoga County with a tax of 35 mills (3½ cents) per cigarette. CAC will start to receive the increased tax revenues in March 2025 and anticipates new revenue will impact grants made for 2026 and beyond.
CAC’s Executive Director, Jill Paulsen, highlighted the importance of the new tax to our region’s arts nonprofits. “CAC funds a wide range of organizations that make arts and culture experiences available to residents in every corner of Cuyahoga County,” she said. “With this funding, CAC will continue to be a reliable resource and provide core support for the nonprofits that make our community such a special place. We take seriously our charge to responsibly and transparently steward these tax funds, and we look forward to continuing our work – to the benefit of all Cuyahoga County residents.”
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture is charged with making grants to arts and cultural nonprofits using public tax dollars, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3381. As a public agency, CAC does not engage in fundraising or campaign activities; its role is to provide information regarding its grantmaking, the stewardship of its public resource, and to educate the public on the importance of public funding.
Current and potential grant recipients are invited to sign up for e-mail updates about CAC grant opportunities at cacgrants.org. Residents and visitors seeking arts and cultural experiences in Cuyahoga County are encouraged to visit ClevelandArtsEvents.com to view upcoming CAC-funded programs and events.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) is a regional arts and cultural district and a political subdivision of the state. Established by voters in 2006, CAC is the largest arts and culture funder in the region. To date CAC has made over 3,000 grants, totaling over $247M in tax dollars, to more than 485 organizations serving County residents. For more information, visit cacgrants.org.