Ohio General Assembly Invests More Than $9 Million in Arts and Culture Organizations in Cuyahoga County
Ohio General Assembly Invests More Than $9 Million in Arts and Culture Organizations in Cuyahoga County
CLEVELAND, OH | July 14, 2026 — More than $9 million has been allocated to 24 arts, culture, and heritage projects across Cuyahoga County through Ohio’s recently enacted biennial capital budget (SB 450), marking a major investment in the region’s creative economy and community infrastructure.
According to Assembly for the Arts, cultural, arts, and heritage projects received more than $9 million of the approximately $37 million in total state capital funding awarded in Cuyahoga County—nearly 25% of all county allocations. The funding will support critical facility improvements, renovations, and public space enhancements that strengthen communities and expand access to arts and cultural experiences throughout Northeast Ohio.
“This is a transformational moment for our region,” said Jeremy Johnson, President and CEO of Assembly for the Arts. “The state legislature and Governor DeWine have sent a clear message that investing in the arts is investing in community resilience and economic vitality. From our legacy institutions to our neighborhood anchors, this funding ensures that our creative spaces can safely and effectively serve future generations.”
Funded projects span the county, supporting both nationally recognized cultural institutions and neighborhood-based community organizations. Investments include infrastructure improvements at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Playhouse Square, as well as enhancements for community-centered organizations such as Near West Theatre, Dobama Theatre, and Beck Center for the Arts.
The capital budget also supports key place-making and public space initiatives, including improvements to University Circle’s Wade Oval and the Irishtown Bend Park Heritage Site, helping strengthen the cultural and civic assets that contribute to the region’s quality of life and economic growth.
A full list of funded capital projects in Cuyahoga County is available through the Ohio Legislative Service Commission: Capital Projects by County (SB 450).
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About Assembly for the Arts
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 serves the entire creative sector, working in tandem with Assembly for Action, a 501(c)(4) political action nonprofit, to champion public and private investments that unify Greater Cleveland’s arts and culture industry.
