Northeast Ohio's Cultural Future
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Northeast Ohio’s Cultural Future:
What Cities Can Teach Us About Cultural Investment
Explore how public investment in arts and culture compares across cities—and what it could mean for Northeast Ohio.
Assembly for the Arts invites you to join SMU DataArts and Lord Cultural Resources for a virtual research briefing that marks an early step in a long-term effort to build shared knowledge and help shape future conversations about cultural planning and public investment in Greater Cleveland.
Attendees can expect to gain a clearer understanding of the research findings and how they can inform future local decision-making and planning efforts.
Event Details
Monday, May 18, 2026
2-3 p.m.
Virtual
Free to Attend – Registration Required
About the Research
SMU DataArts and Lord Cultural Resources will share findings from a study examining public funding models for arts and culture. The research compares Cuyahoga County with peer communities across the region and the nation to surface patterns, challenges, and opportunities.
This study was commissioned by Assembly for the Arts with support from The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, and Cuyahoga County.
Event Program
The webinar will open with remarks from Jeremy Johnson, President & CEO of Assembly for the Arts, framing why this research matters now and how it connects to broader cultural planning efforts.
SMU DataArts and Lord Cultural Resources will then present key research insights, followed by a moderated panel.
Panelists:
- Jeremy Johnson, Assembly for the Arts
- Jeff Rusnak, R Strategy Group
- Sarah Sisser, CreativeOhio
- Moderator: Jennifer Benoit-Bryan, SMU DataArts
Panelists will reflect on the research and explore its implications for the Greater Cleveland region.
Presented By
With Support From
Films Exploring Creativity at CIFF 50
Art-Centric Films at the Cleveland International Film Festival
As the Cleveland International Film Festival marks its 50th year, Assembly for the Arts is proud to celebrate our longtime partners and friends at CIFF—an institution that has helped shape Northeast Ohio’s cultural landscape for half a century. CIFF is a gathering place for artists, audiences, and ideas, drawing thousands of residents and visitors into shared spaces of storytelling, dialogue, and discovery. Film, by its nature, is a collaborative art form—one that weaves together music, visual art, literature, performance, design, and technology—and CIFF’s anniversary lineup is a powerful reminder of how deeply cinema intersects with the broader creative ecosystem.
By amplifying diverse voices, supporting local and global artists, and activating theaters, neighborhoods, and conversations across the region, CIFF continues to demonstrate how the arts strengthen community, fuel connection, and contribute to a vibrant creative economy in Greater Cleveland.
Various films in this year’s festival lineup highlight how film connects to and elevates other artistic practices—from music and visual art to literature, performance, and storytelling in all its forms. The films below offer just a glimpse into how creativity crosses disciplines at CIFF50. We encourage readers to explore these selections, attend screenings across the region, and discover the power of creativity within film.
Use the buttons below to explore films celebrating, exploring, and commenting on art at CIFF 50:
Visual Arts, Artists, and Art History
Barbara Forever
An archive-driven documentary celebrating pioneering filmmaker Barbara Hammer and her enduring creative legacy.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 9:30 AM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sat, Apr 11 – 12:00 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
More info: Barbara Forever – CIFF Film Archives
Our Mr. Matsura
The story of early 20th‑century photographer Frank Matsura, whose images captured life in the American Northwest.
Screenings:
Wed, Apr 15 – 2:20 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Thu, Apr 16 – 5:10 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Paint Me a Road Out of Here
An incisive look at Faith Ringgold’s landmark artwork and its long journey toward institutional recognition.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 5:00 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sat, Apr 11 – 12:15 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Paint Me a Road Out of Here – CIFF Film Archives
The Christophers
When the children of a celebrated artist hire a forger to complete his unfinished paintings, questions of authorship arise.
Screening:
Sun, Apr 12 – 5:00 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Music, Sound, and Musicians
Chopin, A Sonata in Paris
A sumptuous portrait of Frédéric Chopin navigating fame, illness, and obsession in 19th‑century Paris.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 2:30 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Sat, Apr 11 – 9:30 AM | Playhouse Square Complex
Don’t Forget Me
The official biography of rock ’n’ roll pioneer Eddie Cochran.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 7:20 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sat, Apr 11 – 7:00 PM | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Charliebird
A moving story where music therapy becomes an emotional bridge between past and present.
Screening:
Sun, Apr 12 – 2:30 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
In the Ever
An intimate story following Sam Ellis, a mechanic, whose songs written for his dead mother become a surprise hit.
Screening:
Sun, Apr 12 – 5:00 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
On a String
A quietly funny look at the life of a freelance classical violist in New York City.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 5:15 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Sat, Apr 11 – 12:15 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Peter Asher: Everywhere Man
A music memoir tracing the life of the producer behind countless legendary recordings.
Screenings:
Wed, Apr 15 – 7:00 PM | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Thu, Apr 16 – 12:15 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Song Silenced: Coming Out in Christian Music
A revelatory documentary about queer artists challenging faith-based music spaces.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 17 – 3:00 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sat, Apr 18 – 5:10 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Song Silenced: Coming Out In Christian Music – CIFF Film Archives
The Blind Couple from Mali
Musical legends Amadou & Mariam reunite to record a final album connected to their roots.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 12:10 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Sat, Apr 11 – 5:15 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Power Ballad (Closing Night)
A bittersweet, feel‑good film about songwriting, ambition, and recognition.
Screening:
Sat, Apr 18 – 7:30 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
The Soundman
A wartime love story told through radio waves, voice, and performance.
Screenings:
Thu, Apr 16 – 2:00 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Sat, Apr 18 – 9:15 AM | Playhouse Square Complex
You Had To Be There: How The Toronto Godspell Ignited The Comedy Revolution...
A documentary about how Toronto Godspell helped launch an entire generation of performers.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 2:35 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sat, Apr 11 – 4:50 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Join Assembly for the Arts' Monthly Newsletter to keep up to date with the arts in Northeast Ohio.
Literature, Writing, and Storytelling
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Literature becomes resistance as women in Tehran secretly read banned novels.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 17 – 9:45 AM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sat, Apr 18 – 12:05 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Guess Who Is Calling?
A busy writer outsources daily life to finish his most personal work.
Screenings:
Thu, Apr 16 – 11:15 AM | Playhouse Square Complex
Fri, Apr 17 – 7:10 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Yesterday Island
A failed novelist hoping to break his writers block becomes trapped in a time loop.
Screenings:
Thu, Apr 16 – 9:45 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Fri, Apr 17 – 11:50 AM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Steal This Story, Please!
Journalism as creative resistance in this portrait of Amy Goodman.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 12:15 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sun, Apr 12 – 2:40 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Steal This Story, Please! – CIFF Film Archives
Film, Performance, and the Creative Process
Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day
Four filmmakers pursue artistic freedom under political suspicion.
Screenings:
Thu, Apr 16 – 4:00 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Fri, Apr 17 – 9:15 AM | Playhouse Square Complex
Beyond
Performance becomes transformation inside Sing Sing prison.
Screenings:
Sun, Apr 12 – 7:35 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Tue, Apr 14 – 4:45 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Bravado
A meta‑thriller about screenwriting, power, and control.
Screenings:
Thu, Apr 16 – 4:50 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Fri, Apr 17 – 10:00 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Run Amok
An amateur harpist stages a musical reenactment of a traumatic event.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 17 – 7:30 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Sat, Apr 18 – 2:45 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
We Are Pat
A joyful exploration of comedy, gender, and performance culture through the lens of the iconic “Saturday Night Live” sketch, It’s Pat.
Screenings:
Fri, Apr 10 – 5:00 PM | Cedar Lee Theatre
Sun, Apr 12 – 2:45 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
My Pathetic Career
A portrait of a one‑man variety performer reflecting on 50 years of art-making.
Screening:
Thu, Apr 16 – 4:45 PM | Playhouse Square Complex
Join Assembly for the Arts' Monthly Newsletter to keep up to date with the arts in Northeast Ohio.
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!
WAGE Session for Artists and Groups that Hire Them
Assembly for the Arts Workbench Session: A Conversation with W.A.G.E.
Virtual Event: November 3, 2022, 4:30 – 6 p.m. ET
Assembly for the Arts is bringing artist and organizer, Lise Soskolne, to the Workbench Session on November 3, 2022.
During this virtual session, Lise, a co-founder and core organizer of Working Artists in the Greater Economy (W.A.G.E.) will introduce its primary programs, W.A.G.E. Certification and WAGENCY, and discuss W.A.G.E.’s broader effort to organize artists, institutions, and soon art workers, around a shared politics of labor. A group discussion will follow.
Since its founding in 2008, W.A.G.E.’s work has developed in service of a single achievable goal — regulating the payment of artist fees in the nonprofit sector. In the context of contemporary art, in which the unpaid labor of artists supports a multi billion-dollar industry, W.A.G.E.’s mission is to establish sustainable economic relationships between artists and the institutions that contract artists’ labor, and to introduce mechanisms for self-regulation into the art field that collectively bring about a more equitable distribution of its economy.
About Lise Soskolne
Lise Soskolne is an artist with over 15 years of work experience in arts presenting, administration and development at downtown New York City nonprofits. Since the late 1990s these have included Anthology Film Archives, Artists Space, Diapason Gallery for Sound, Meredith Monk/The House Foundation for the Arts, Participant Inc, and Roulette Intermedium. Along with many others, she is a co-founder of W.A.G.E. and has been its core organizer since 2012.
W.A.G.E. Certified institutions in OH
- Wave Pool, Cincinnati, OH
- FRONT International, Cleveland, OH
- Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Assemblies - December 2021
Assemble for a Unified Voice - December 2021
- WHAT/WHEN:
- Non-profits: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
- Artists: Wednesday, December 15, 2021 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET
- Businesses: Thursday, December 16, 2021 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
- WHERE: Virtual conference, details can be viewed by clicking the button below
- COST: Free
- HOST: Assembly for the Arts
- REGISTRATION: Required, please click one of the buttons below to register
Register for One of the Virtual Sessions
Presented in partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
Assemblies - November 2021
Assemble for a Unified Voice - November 2021
- WHAT/WHEN:
- Non-profits: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
- Artists: Wednesday, November 17, 2021 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET
- Businesses: Thursday, November 18, 2021 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
- WHERE: Virtual conference, details can be viewed by clicking the button below
- HOST: Assembly for the Arts
- COST: Free
- REGISTRATION: Required, please click one of the buttons below to register
Register for One of the Virtual Sessions
Presented in partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
Cleveland Mayoral Debate - October 11, 2021
Assemble for a Unified Voice: Who Has Your Vote?
After months of campaigning, the results of the September primary elections have narrowed seven candidates down to two. On Tuesday, November 2, 2021 Clevelanders will have a chance to cast their votes for their city’s next mayor.
The City Club of Cleveland, in partnership with Ideastream Public Media, will host the general election debate on Monday, October 11th with Cleveland mayoral candidates: Justin M. Bibb, nonprofit executive, and Kevin J. Kelley, President of Cleveland City Council. The debate will feature the voices of Clevelanders on the issues that matter in their neighborhoods and communities.
Rick Jackson, Senior Host/Producer at Ideastream Public Media will host the debate. Joining alongside him are a panel of journalists: Nick Castele, Reporter at Ideastream Public Media; Lawrence Caswell, Field Coordinator at Cleveland Documenters; and Elizabeth McIntyre, Executive Editor at Crain’s Cleveland Business.
This 90-minute debate will be broadcast at 7:30pm EST on WVIZ PBS, 90.3 Ideastream Public Media, and at cityclub.org.
- WHAT/WHEN: Monday, October 11, 2021 at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST
- WHERE: Virtual conference
- HOST: The City Club of Cleveland. Sponsored by Assembly for the Arts
- REGISTRATION: View details
Assembly for the Arts is a proud sponsor of this event hosted by The City Club of Cleveland.
The Arts Vote - October 18, 2021
The Arts Vote
The arts sector is a powerful voting force and change-making partner in Cleveland. How will the arts be integrated and considered in Cleveland’s future Mayoral administration? Be a part of this historic discussion and collective voice in support of arts and culture. Jeremy Johnson, President & CEO, Assembly for the Arts will facilitate this 90-minute forum.
Assembly for the Arts and CAN Journal, will host The Arts Vote, a public forum with Cleveland mayoral candidates Justin M. Bibb, nonprofit executive, and Kevin J. Kelley, President of Cleveland City Council. The two organizations are showcasing the power of The Arts Vote by bringing together a multitude of arts perspectives as they present the forum in partnership with Artist Bridge Coalition, Black Local Artists of Cleveland Kuumba, Cleveland Arts Education Consortium, National Independent Venue Associate, and Third Space Action Lab.
Community questions to candidates will be curated in advance. Submit YOUR question for consideration by October 12.
Read more on the candidates views of arts and culture: Justin Bibb | Kevin Kelley.
- WHAT: The Arts Vote
- WHEN: Monday, October 18, 2021 at 6 p.m.
- WHERE: Streamed live via Zoom
- HOST: Assembly for the Arts and CAN Journal
- REGISTRATION: Register for email reminders and updates.
Presented in partnership with:
- Artist Bridge Coalition
- Black Local Artists of Cleveland Kuumba
- Cleveland Arts Education Consortium
- National Independent Venue Associate
- Third Space Action Lab
Assemblies - September 2021
Assemble for a Unified Voice: Who Has Your Vote?
Justin Bibb and Kevin Kelley have won the primary election for Cleveland Mayor. Assembly invites you to join us as we examine these candidates’ responses to an earlier survey we conducted with our partners at CAN Journal. Let’s discuss what else we want to know and how we can amplify their arts and culture responses more widely. Join us for a report out from Assembly, key themes from last month’s sessions, and a robust discussion about the next mayor of Cleveland and how we can push for new arts and culture-supportive outcomes in city government.
“With a promise of creating a more inclusive and equitable arts and culture community, members will gather from all artistic disciplines, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and abilities to build a better Greater Cleveland.”
We will unite virtually to continue our collective work. At each gathering, receive updates on Assembly for the Arts. Ask questions, share thoughts and share space with your colleagues to advance our collective efforts as creative industries. Together, we will build a unified voice for our creative community.
- WHAT/WHEN:
- Non-profits: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
- Artists: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM ET
- Businesses: Thursday, September 23, 2021 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
- WHERE: Virtual conference, details can be viewed by clicking the button below
- HOST: Assembly for the Arts
- REGISTRATION: Required, please click one of the buttons below to register
Register for One of the Virtual Sessions
Presented in partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
The Inaugural Assembly: August 18-19, 2021
Assemble for a Unified Voice
Attend our inaugural assembly as President & CEO Jeremy Johnson unveils the organization and presents its bold vision and action plan for the future of arts and culture in Greater Cleveland.
- WHAT: The Inaugural Assembly
- WHEN:
- Session 1: Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 10-11 AM
- Session 2: Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 6-7 PM
- Session 3: Thursday, August 19, 2021, 10-11 AM
- WHERE: Virtual conference, details can be viewed by clicking the button below
- HOST: Assembly for the Arts
- REGISTRATION: Required, please click one of the buttons below to register
Register for One of the Virtual Sessions
Presented in partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
