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:

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

 


Amplify the arts within a new administration

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.

APPLY HERE

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…

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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…

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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 


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

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Art Ball

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2023

AT 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!

GET DIRECTIONS

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

6:00 pm | cocktail hour
7:00 pm | award presentation & dinner
8:00 pm | program
9:00 pm | after party
Sparkle cocktail attire

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

Huntington Logo

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

Download Sponsorship Packet

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!


Karamu House, 10 people on stage with colorful lighting hold their arms out

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.

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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


Creative Spaces

View the VideoRead the NotesCLEVELOT Info Session

|| Thursday, April 13 / 6:00 – 7:30 pm. @ SPACES Gallery ||

Our creative community is facing a serious issue of access to the space they need to live, work and create. What resources are available to help artists and creative businesses access space to live, work, rehearse, present, and host events? Hear insights from a panel of city officials, artists, and developers. Network and brainstorm real solutions to space access and ownership.

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.

Location: SPACES 2900 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113

Key Guest Voices at this conversation:

  • Joyce Pan Huang, Director, City of Cleveland Planning Commission
  • Aisia Jones, VP of Community Empowerment, MidTown
  • Ajha Dean Phillips, Cleveland Black Artist Movement
  • Julie Schabel, Wave Space Studio
  • Ismail Samad, LOITER
  • Sarah Paul, Artist, Associate Professor of Sculpture + Expanded Media, CIA

Registration isn’t required but will help us plan for the best discussion possible.