Assembly for the Arts Awards 17 Artists $10,000 Each Through the 2024 Creative Impact Fund
ASSEMBLY FOR THE ARTS AWARDS 17 ARTISTS $10,000 EACH THROUGH THE 2024 CREATIVE IMPACT FUND
Flexible funding and business development support, will elevate artists’ creative practice and regional impact, with support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture
CLEVELAND, September 17, 2024 — Assembly for the Arts is excited to announce 17 artists have been awarded 2024 Creative Impact Fund grants. A panel of national jurors of artists and creative professionals reviewed and selected this year’s awardees.
The Creative Impact Fund is currently one of the largest unrestricted grant funds available to Cuyahoga County artists. Each artist will receive $10,000 from the fund, made possible by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The award provides flexible (unrestricted) funding and professional and business development opportunities, mentorship and networking opportunities, plus memberships to Assembly for the Arts and the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE). The purpose of the fund is to encourage the growth of artists’ creative practice and advance their impact on the region. It is open to individual Cuyahoga County-based artists of all creative disciplines.
In addition to the announcement of the Creative Impact Fund artist grantees, Assembly will soon launch an Artist Advisory Committee as part of its organizational artist support structure and on-going efforts to seek community feedback on artist programming. Details about the Artist Advisory Committee including members and committee goals will be announced in October.
The selected Creative Impact Fund artists are in various stages of their careers, from emerging to established in dance, design, film, craft, music, folk arts, visual arts, writing/literature and interdisciplinary fields. They represent communities in Cleveland and across Cuyahoga County, from Mayfield Heights to Lakewood to Garfield Heights and Oakwood Village.
The following artists were selected for the 2024 Creative Impact Fund by a panel of artists and creative professionals from outside the region.
- Gabrielle Banzhaf - Interdisciplinary Artist and Curator; performance, sculpture and collaborative /community experimentation
- Nathalie Bermudez - Performing and Visual Artist; theatre arts, acting, painting and mural arts
- Munirah Bomani –Movement Artist; Afro-Caribbean dance and choreography, ballet and movement-based healing
- Carolina Borja – Musician and Composer; Cello, loop pedals and vocals; Afro-Colombian traditional singing and world music
- Sequoia Bostick – Visual Artist; illustration, graphic arts and design
- David Buttram – Visual Artist; figurative painting and illustration
- Amber N. Ford –Visual Artist; photographic arts and photojournalism
- Stephanie Ginese – Literary Artist; poetry and stand-up comedy
- Leila Khoury - Multidisciplinary Artist; sculpture and design
- Aimee Lee – Visual Artist; Korean papermaking (Hanji)
- Theresa May – Musician; Trumpet, multidisciplinary creator/composer and performer
- Raquel M. Ortiz – Multi-Disciplinary Artist; literary arts, film, music and illustration
- Humble G tha Fiddla – Musician and Producer; electric violin and vocals, Hip-Hop/R&B, Reggaeton & EDM
- Robin VanLear – Visual and Performance Artist; sculpture, design and community-based production
- Alberto Veronica Lopez – Visual Artist; Ceramics
- Chris Webb – Media and Performance Artist; film, journalism and literary arts
- Megan Young – Transdisciplinary Artist; interactive design and immersive media
Jeremy V. Johnson, Assembly for the Arts’ President and CEO, said this year’s Creative Impact Fund awardees are forward-thinking artists who have strong resumes of inventive artistic work.
“We are thrilled to award these meaningful grants to this group of 17 artists who were selected because of the impact their work has on their communities,” Johnson said. “They represent a variety of artistic disciplines and are in different phases of their careers. We have award winners, Fulbright scholars, artists under age 30 and artists over age 70 and everything in between. Grants of this size, coupled with professional development and networking, can be career changing, and this group has earned this investment in their work.”
The panel of national jurors who reviewed and selected the awardees is a diverse group of artists in a variety of disciplines. Jurors and their disciplines are:
- Clay Scofield - Visiting Assistant Professor, Art, Media + Poetry, Indiana University – Bloomington; Digital Art
- Johanna Winters - Assistant Professor, Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design, Indiana University – Bloomington; Video and Performance
- India Nicole Burton – Theater Playwright, Director, Educator, Theatre Educator, Chicago; Theater
- Jenai Cutcher - Free-range Tap Dancer, Educator, Writer, Documentarian, New York and Chicago; Dance
- Asa Featherstone - Photographer and Curator, Cincinnati; Photography
- Irma Hayes - Director, Gallery 46 and Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development, City of Harper Woods, Detroit; Visual Artist
- Asia Hamilton - Founding Director, Norwest Gallery, Detroit; Photography, installation, curatorial
- Danielle Burns Wilson - Executive Director, Project Row Houses, Houston; Curator, Arts Educator
- Chris Cobb - Music Venue Alliance Nashville; Music Policy & Advocacy
- Ivonne Cotorruelo - Film Curator, New York City; Film
- Andrew Aaron Valdez - Artistic Coordinator, Yale Repertory Theater, New York City; Theater, Visual Art, Poetry
- Rob Blackson - Curatorial Director, ArtPhilly, Philadelphia; Design and Visual Arts
- Leigh Goldenberg - Managing Director, Wilma Theater, Philadelphia; Theater
- Mona Wiley - Program Specialist, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Pittsburgh; Visual and Music Artist
- Orlando Watson - Senior Director of Programming, August Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh; Literary Artist/Poet
Learn more about the Creative Impact Fund artists at https://assemblycle.org/2024-creative-impact-fund-awardees/. Information about other funding opportunities for individual artists and creatives in Cuyahoga County is available at https://assemblycle.org/artistfunding/.
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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
Individual Artists: Yes, Yes, and Yes
Source: CAN Journal, Michael Gill
Date: August 6, 2025
Abstract:
The phrase “preaching to the choir” is made for moments like this: CAN Journal’s endorsement in favor of Cuyahoga County’s cigarette tax for the arts might seem completely unnecessary. Our readers are interested in art and artists, and the organizations that support them, and Collective Arts Network (CAN) has benefitted directly from the tax through general operating support for the last half-dozen years. Our endorsement is no surprise. Nonetheless, the last year’s discussion about Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) gives us a good reason to weigh in.
The true value of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture tax - a thriving community: Geralyn M. Presti and Chinenye Nkemere
Source: Cleveland.com, Opinion
Date: July 8, 2024
Abstract: CLEVELAND — Millions of people from across the socioeconomic spectrum benefit annually from Cuyahoga County’s robust, publicly funded arts and culture nonprofit scene. Our arts and culture sector creates thousands of family-supporting jobs, pumps hundreds of millions into our economy, drives tourism, offers thousands of opportunities, experiences, and safe alternatives for schoolchildren, enhances neighborhoods, and is a source of pride for our region.
Nearly 500 organizations throughout the county have received funding from our voter-supported 1.5-cent tax on cigarettes since its inception. Those organizations provide many programs for our diverse population, tens of thousands of Cleveland area schoolchildren, and hundreds of thousands of residents at no cost.
Cuyahoga County cigarette tax increase heading to November ballot
Source: Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com
Published: June 4, 2024
CLEVELAND, Ohio — To support the arts, Cuyahoga County Council on Tuesday voted to send a proposed increase to the county’s cigarette tax to the November ballot.
It will be up to voters to decide whether to replace the 1.5-cent-per-cigarette rate first approved in 2006 with a new 3.5-cent-per-cigarette tax. The change would increase taxes on each pack of cigarettes from 30 cents to 70 cents.
Council passed the resolution unanimously. None of the members commented.
Cuyahoga County Arts and Culture board votes to ask County Council to put cigarette tax increase on November ballot
Source: Cleveland.com, Steven Litt
Date: April 29, 2024
Abstract:
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Board members of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the government agency that distributes cigarette tax money to the arts, voted unanimously on Monday to ask Cuyahoga County Council to approve a November ballot item that would enable county voters to increase the tax from 1.5 cents to 3.5 cents per cigarette.
The tax could raise an estimated $160 million between 2026 and 2035 and bolster revenues that have declined sharply since voters first approved the tax in 2006. In its first year of funding, the 10-year tax produced roughly $20 million for arts and cultural organizations across the county.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture resolves to place cigarette tax increase on November ballot
Source: ideastream, Kabir Bhatia
Date: April 29, 2024
Abstract: Cuyahoga Arts & Culture has taken its first step toward increasing the county cigarette tax from 30-cents-per-pack to 70 cents.
At a special meeting Monday, the board approved a resolution asking County Council to place an expansion of the tax on the November 2024 ballot. The new amount is estimated to generate about $160 million over the next decade.
The 70-cent figure was decided after extensive research, according to Jeff Rusnak of R Strategy Group.
“The voters really respect and admire our arts and cultural sector,” he said. “They have invested in it for nearly two decades and that has paid off. Three-and-a-half cents per cigarette is a small ask that produces really big impact.”
CAC Trustees Approve a Resolution Requesting November Tax Levy to Fund Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Through 2035
CAC Trustees Approve a Resolution Requesting November Tax Levy to Fund Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Through 2035
Replacement Levy Could Generate $160M Over 10 Years, Expand Public Investment in Hundreds of Nonprofit Arts Organizations
CLEVELAND (April 29, 2024) – Today, the Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Board of Trustees approved a resolution to Cuyahoga County Council requesting a tax levy be placed on the November 2024 ballot to replace and expand CAC’s dedicated tax resource.
The resolution, approved unanimously by CAC’s Trustees in a public meeting, formally requests that Cuyahoga County Council submit the question of the replacement levy to Cuyahoga County voters at the November 5, 2024 general election. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s sole revenue source is a tax on cigarettes sold in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The tax would continue to provide public funding for the operations of Cuyahoga County’s arts and cultural nonprofits.
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/.
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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
2024 Creative Impact Fund
Applications Now Closed
Submission Deadline: Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Applications are currently in review.
About
Artists and creatives positively affect our lives and our region every day. Their work has the power to transcend barriers and unite people, to promote healing, and to highlight social injustices leading to just and equitable change.
Introducing the 2024 Creative Impact Fund (CIF), an unrestricted grant designed to support the growth of an artist’s creative practice and advance their impact on our region. The CIF will award seventeen (17) artists and creatives with $10,000 in unrestricted funds in addition to business development support.
Forward-thinking artists who have been creating impactful and inventive artistic work for three or more years in the disciplines of craft, dance, design, film, interdisciplinary work, media, music, theatre & performance, traditional/folk arts, visual art, and writing/literary art are encouraged to apply. This funding opportunity is open to artists and creatives who live and work in Cuyahoga County.
Awarded Artists Receive:
- $10,000 in unrestricted funds
- Business and professional development support opportunities, including marketing
- Dedicated support from Assembly staff including advise on achieving creative goals for the grant year
- Networking opportunities, including connections to institutional partners, thought partners or potential collaborators
- Promotion of the as a Creative Impact Fund awardee on Assembly’s website, social media
- Special access to opportunities as they arise throughout the year
- An Assembly for the Arts membership
2024 Panelists
Questions?
Please contact grants@assemblycle.org.
The Creative Impact Fund is supported by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
MANY THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
America SCORES Cleveland
Art House, Inc
Art Therapy Studio
BAYarts
Beck Center for the Arts
BorderLight Theatre Festival
Breakthrough Sounds LLC
CAN Journal
CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra
Cleveland 48 Hour Film Project
Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers
Cleveland Institute of Art
Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present and Future
Greater Cleveland Partnership and COSE (Council of Smaller Enterprises)
Duffy Liturgical Dance Ensemble
ENCORE Chamber Music Institute
Future Ink Graphics (FIG)
Get The Bag.
Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival
Grog Shop
Ingenuity Cleveland
Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center
Larchmere Arts
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Maelstrom Collaborative Arts
Morgan Conservatory
MorrisonDance
Plexus LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce
Spread the Love Foundation
The Music Settlement
Valley Art Center
Zygote Press