Engaging Community Leaders in Critical Conversations:

When Cleveland received $511 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, Assembly activated the artist community to demonstrate why they should receive $10 million in rescue funds – or just 2% for the arts. Our “Artists for ARPA” postcard campaign showcased the work of 18 artists from Cleveland’s wards to garner City Council support for 2% for the arts. Assembly held in-person postcard writing events at the Happy Dog Cleveland and the other at Sankofa Fine Art Plus. On March 28, 2022, a coalition of the creative sector delivered 500 postcards to Cleveland City Hall.

In June 2022, City Council President Blaine Griffin announced he included $5 million for arts and culture in his budget proposal. Mayor Bibb adopted the recommendation to deploy $10M in ARPA funds for arts in Cleveland neighborhoods. Assembly, with its partner CAC, will continue to reinforce the importance of the creative sector to City Council and the Mayor’s office to bring our city ARPA request across the finish line.

Thanks to Rainey Institute, Collective Arts Network (CAN), YARDS Project and Future Ink Graphics (FIG) for their support of the postcard writing campaign.