Assembly Hosts Cleveland Planning Director and Community Leaders to Discuss Artist Space
Conversation to center on finding solutions for artists’ spaces to live/work/create
CLEVELAND, OHIO — As development projects expand throughout Greater Cleveland, often pioneered by artists and creatives, there is a long-standing challenge in Cleveland’s creative community: where can artists affordably live, work and create? Assembly for the Arts will bring together the community to discuss this important economic issue on April 13 as part of Assembly’s REvision: Creative Spaces community conversation series.
Jeremy V. Johnson, president and CEO of Assembly for the Arts, said the scarcity of affordable space for artists is a genuine concern in the region. “We face a serious issue of artists not having the space they need to support their creative businesses, which are an important economic engine in the community,” he said. “This community conversation is designed to bridge communication among experts, including artists, to brainstorm real solutions to space access and ownership.
The ”Creative Spaces” discussion is the second of Assembly’s series REvision — pressing issues. real discussion. new possibilities. REvision is a series of thought-provoking presentations and community dialogues focused on re-envisioning the state of Greater Cleveland’s creative industries. Topics will address pressing issues in our arts and culture community, create points of discussion and offer possibilities for positive change and equity. REvision is free to attend.
The Thursday, April 13 session will feature:
- Joyce Pan Huang, Director, Cleveland City Planning Commission
- Aisia Jones, Vice President of Community Empowerment, MidTown Cleveland
- Ajha Dean Phillips, Cleveland Black Arts Movement
- Julie Schabel, Wave Space Studio
- Ismail Samad, Loiter East Cleveland
- Sarah Paul, Associate Professor of Sculpture + Expanded Media, Cleveland Institute of Art
The “Creative Spaces” discussion will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, at SPACES Gallery, 2900 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113. To register for this free event, visit Assembly’s website at https://assemblycle.org/creative-spaces/.
ABOUT ASSEMBLY
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, Fred & Laura Beth Bidwell, and Barbara S. Robinson. www.assemblycle.org
Senior Strategist for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy
The City of Cleveland Mayor’s Office is hiring a Senior Strategist to lead planning efforts to determine a sustainable infrastructure for the arts at City Hall. This vital position in city government will lead, direct, manage, and plan strategic policy initiatives for the City of Cleveland to position the City as a leading world cultural center with enhanced neighborhood vitality. Assembly for the Arts is proud to have played a role in advocating for this permanent arts and culture liaison at the city government level.
Assembly for the Arts opens applications for Creative Impact Fund
Source: Freshwater
Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Abstract:
Officials with Assembly for the Arts, the advocacy and equity group for creatives, want to expand the arts to Cleveland and East Cleveland neighborhoods that often lack arts investment or arts activity.
So, through its Creative Impact Fund, 16 artists will be chosen from a pool of applicants to create transformational arts project in redlined Cleveland and East Cleveland communities. Applications are now open and the deadline to apply is May 7…
Assembly for the Arts launches new fund for Cleveland artists
Source: ideastream
Date: March 17, 2023
Abstract:
Applications are now open for a new funding opportunity through Cleveland-based nonprofit Assembly for the Arts. The Creative Impact Fund will award money to 16 artists.
The new funding opportunity comes from a $140,000 Support for Artists grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Ideastream Public Media also receives support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture…
Artist Funding Opportunity Now Available Through Assembly for the Arts
ARTIST FUNDING OPPORTUNITY NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH ASSEMBLY FOR THE ARTS
Creative Impact Fund applications due May 7
PRESS RELEASE March 16, 2023
Media Contact: Malissa Bodmann, 216-536-7517
CLEVELAND, OHIO — Assembly for the Arts has launched an artist funding opportunity for 16 artists to create transformational arts projects in redlined communities that lack arts investment developing areas of significant arts activity in Cleveland and East Cleveland.
Called the Creative Impact Fund, it is open to artists or collectives of all expressions, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, film/motion pictures, dance, ballet, theatre, music, comedy/improv, writing/literature, architecture, graphic design, craft, and fashion. Priority will be given to artists of color and art collectives with diverse representation. Creative Impact Fund is made possible by a $140,000 Support for Artists grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Individual artists, artist collectives, and informal groups are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be residents of Cuyahoga County and age 18 and older.
Jeremy V. Johnson, president and CEO of Assembly for the Arts, said the organization is excited to launch another artist funding opportunity. “As Assembly works to ‘expand the pie’ and increase equity in Cleveland’s arts and culture scene, we look forward to investing these public funds in underrepresented areas of Cleveland and East Cleveland,” he said. “Artists are an important part of the creative economy, and getting dollars into their hands helps them and the communities in which they create.”
The Creative Impact Fund includes:
- •$6,250 includes up to $2,500 in unrestricted support and $3,750 in projectsupport
- •Support from Assembly’s staff who will advise project leads in attaining theirproject goals via marketing and professional development support and connections to institutional partners, potential collaborators or thought partners
- •Assembly for the Arts Membership
Applications are due May 7, 2023. Information sessions will be held in person and virtually. Learn more at www.assemblycle.org/creativeimpactfund.
Assembly for the Arts’ Creative Impact Fund is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
ABOUT
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, Fred & Laura Beth Bidwell, and Barbara S. Robinson. www.assemblycle.org
Creative Impact Fund
Important 2026 Dates:
Applications open: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Applications close: Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Panel review and scoring: August – October, 2026
Applicants notified of panel decisions: October – November, 2026
Virtual Grant Info Sessions
May 20, 2026 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Register
June 4, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m. | Register
About the Creative Impact Fund
Artists and creatives don’t just enrich our region—they drive it forward. They spark joy, make space for healing, and build connection across differences. They also tell the truths that demand attention, exposing injustice and pushing us toward a more just and equitable future. The Creative Impact Fund exists to back that power with unrestricted support—so you can invest in your creative practice on your own terms and keep making work that moves Greater Cleveland.
Assembly for the Arts is proud to relaunch the Creative Impact Fund (CIF) in 2026—because artists deserve real, flexible resources to grow their practice and expand their impact across our region. This year, the CIF will award twenty-two (22) forward-thinking artists and creatives with $10,000 each in unrestricted funds. The CIF is open to artists living in Cuyahoga County who have been creating impactful and inventive work in craft, dance, design, film, interdisciplinary work, media, music, theatre & performance, traditional arts, visual art, and writing/literary art.
For full details—including Assembly’s definitions of Artists and Creative Disciplines—please review the Creative Impact Fund Guidelines.
Assembly for the Arts is supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
Awarded Artists Receive:
- $10,000 in unrestricted funds
- Promotion as a CIF grantee on Assembly’s website, social media and other platforms
- A one-year Assembly for the Arts Membership
- Business and professional development opportunities, including marketing, networking, connections to partners or potential collaborators
- Special access to opportunities as they arise throughout the year
Ready to Apply?
Submit an online application by clicking the button below. Artists will need to create a free Submittable account or use their existing account to submit their application.
The CIF application will be available in English, with Spanish-language versions and other translation support provided as needed. Paper applications will be provided on a case-by-case basis for accessibility. Anyone who needs language assistance, accommodations, or other support in applying for CIF is encouraged to contact us at grants@assemblycle.org.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Creative Impact Fund, applicants must:
- Satisfy the definition of artist or creative as defined in the Program Guidelines
- Live and work in Cuyahoga County and provide proof of residency // Studio addresses (unless it’s your place of residence) and P.O. Boxes are not accepted.
- Be able to complete a W-9 form with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
- Be 18 years of age or older
Ineligibility
Ineligible applicants include:
- Artists who have received Cuyahoga Arts & Culture funded artist grants from any of the following programs within the last five years (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 or 2025):
- Assembly for the Arts: Creative Impact Fund or Boost Fund
- SPACES Urgent Art Fund
- Karamu House: Room in the House Fellowship
- Cleveland Public Theatre: Premiere Fellowship or Individual Artist Fund
- Julia de Burgos (Unidos Por El Arte)
- Panelists or jury members for Assembly artist grant programs
- Current staff members, board members, or contractors of Assembly for the Arts or Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC)
- Immediate family members, domestic or romantic partners, or household members of current staff, board or contractors of Assembly for the Arts or Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC)*
- Nonprofit organizations, businesses or collectives. Artists who are part of organizations or businesses must apply as individuals
*Assembly for the Arts reserves the right to determine that an applicant is ineligible where any actual, potential, or apparent conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety would compromise the fairness or integrity of the program.
*Eligible artists may apply for and receive Assembly’s Creative Impact Fund and Boost Fund in the same year.
Questions?
Be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at grants@assemblycle.org
Cleveland aims to add a senior-level arts leader to the Bibb administration
Bureaucracy busters rejoice: The city of Cleveland is planning to create a senior-level position for the arts, culture, and the creative economy to serve as the point person for the arts at city hall and help bridge the gap with local artists, according to a presentation to city council by planning director Joyce Huang earlier this month…
Source: The Land, Lee Chilcote
Date: March 1, 2023
Art Ball
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023AT THE MADISON
Assembly for the Arts is excited to announce our inaugural Art Ball to celebrate those who support the arts and to showcase the wealth of arts and culture that makes Cleveland a leading arts city! The Art Ball is going to be a signature arts event for our community and a key fundraiser for Assembly. Together we sparkle!
Registration is now closed.
Can’t attend? Consider a donation to help us reach the goal!
ABOUT THE ART BALL
Assembly works to expand the pie of resources and increase racial equity for greater Cleveland’s $9.1B creative sector. In the last year, Assembly has successfully secured more than $6.3M in public ARPA funds to support cultural nonprofits, individual artists, and cultural businesses in our communities. We’ve also engaged BIPOC creatives in fellowship opportunities, entrepreneurial, career-advancement, and networking opportunities. The Art Ball is a fundraiser to help us keep that momentum going!
Schedule
2023 Honoree: Tony Panzica
About the Artists
Recognition: Tony Panzica
A special award will be presented to Tony Panzica, CEO/President, Panzica Construction Company, for his longstanding and committed support and leadership to the arts community.
Access
The Madison entrances and restrooms are accessible for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility supports. Assembly for the Arts encourages people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical or communications access provided, please call (216) 575-0331, x128 or email info@assemblycle.org in advance.
MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
PLATINUM
GOLD
APRIL MILLER BOISE & DAVID WILLBRAND
CHANN FOWLER-SPELLMAN
JEREMY V. JOHNSON
RICHARD W. POGUE
SILVER
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Dealer Tire
Downtown Cleveland Alliance
RPM International Inc.
The Cleveland Orchestra
Ulmer & Berne LLP
BRONZE
Arts Impact
Beck Center for the Arts
Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Carol Bachmann
Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Greater Cleveland Partnership
Drs Nancy Wolf and Aric Greenfield
Gunton Corp./Pella Windows and Doors
Adrian and Margaret Krudy
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
McDonald Hopkins LLC
Medical Mutual
Robert P. Madison International
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Charna E. Sherman
Skylight Financial Group
The Foundry Project Arts Incubator
The NRP Group
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Western Reserve Historical Society
Vocon
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
LEVELS
DIAMOND: $25,000 Presenting Sponsor includes 2 tables to invite 16 of your VIPs to the Art Ball. The sponsor also receives a 1/2 page Ad in the print program and logo on event signage. Your logo will appear prominently in the special e-newsletter to over 6,700 people. You’ll be mentioned in social media posts a minimum of 6x times promoting the event. You have the option to select 1 activation, and will make brief welcome remarks for up to 2 minutes from the stage.
PLATINUM: $10,000 Sponsor includes 1 table to invite 8 of your VIPs to the Art Ball. The sponsor also receives a 1/4 page ad in the print program and logo on event signage. Your logo will appear in the special e-newsletter to over 6,700 people. You’ll be mentioned in social media posts a minimum of 4x times promoting the event. You have the option to select 1 activation.
GOLD: $5,000 Sponsor includes 1 table to invite 8 of your VIPs to the Art Ball. Your name will be listed in the Art Ball print program. Your logo will appear in the special e-newsletter to over 6,700 people. You’ll be mentioned in social media posts a minimum of 2x times promoting the event.
SILVER: $2,500 Sponsor includes 4 admissions to the Art Ball, your name listed in the Art Ball print program, and your name listed in special e-newsletter to over 6,700 people.
BRONZE: $1,000 Sponsor includes 2 admissions to the Art Ball and your name listed in the Art Ball print program
ACTIVATIONS
Activations are available to Diamond and Platinum sponsors on a first come, first served basis.
- valet
- cocktail hour
- bar
- signature cocktail
- merch in gift bag
- signature entertainment
- photo opportunity
- after party
Don’t see something listed? Let’s connect!
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture approves 2023 grants for six organizations
Source: Karin Connelly Rice, Freshwater Cleveland
Date: December 15, 2022
Abstract: At its regular meeting of the Cuyahoga Arts & Culture board of trustees yesterday, Wednesday, Dec. 14, the board voted to approve six Northeast Ohio arts organizations for 2023 grant funding.
The board approved resident-led arts and culture grants to Neighborhood Connections and ioby in our own back yards). Neighborhood Connections received $60,500 to co-fund resident-led projects in Cleveland and East Cleveland and host five in-person gatherings for artists, arts & culture organizations, and residents in 2023; while ioby received $100,000 for the Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Match Fund to support resident-led arts and culture projects in Cuyahoga County in 2023.
Creative Income
|| Thursday, July 13 / 6:00 – 7:30 pm. @ The Brownhoist Building ||
Securing the money needed to maintain a creative practice is often a full-time job. Whether it’s gig work, grant seeking, product sales, commissions, project stipends or multiple part-time jobs, artistic income is typically patchworked together through multiple sources, feeding into the notion that to be an artist is to be a “hustler”. Some of the most common ways creatives make money are through direct grants and direct sales, but what are some alternative methods of earning income and what do we consider equitable wages and compensation for artists? How can we take an active role in redefining our approach to making money as artists and creative businesses and what supports are out there to enable creative workers to work smarter and not harder?
We welcome you to talk with us about how the creative field is earning income and to learn more about supports like fiscal sponsorship, lending and financial institutions, and other methods for accessing and generating capital.
Key Community Voices
Carrie Miller, Acting Director, HFLA of Northeast Ohio
Dale Goode, Independent Visual Artist
Andy Schumann, The Cleveland Art Workers Collective + Independent Musician
Lacy Talley, Independent Artist
Assembly Fiscal Sponsorship overview with Valerie Schumacher, Director of Strategic Initiatives
This conversation hosted as part of REvision, a series of community discussions focused on reimagining and addressing key challenges faced by Greater Cleveland’s arts and culture industry. Register to attend this free conversation.
Date: Thursday, July 13, 2023
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: The Brownhoist Building 4403 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
