Assembly's President and CEO, Jeremy Johnson named 2022 Crain's Power 150
2022 Crain’s Power 150
From CEOs and politicians to philanthropists and entrepreneurs, Crain’s “Power 150” list is just a snapshot of those leading some of Northeast Ohio’s most influential organizations and who are in a position to move the region forward.
Jeremy Johnson
President and CEO, Assembly for the Arts
Highlighted involvement: UniversityCircle Inc., AEP6 Equity Task Force for Americans for the Arts
In the news: Following a national search, Assembly for the Arts tapped Johnson, a Cleveland native, to lead the arts and culture startup. The nonprofit, which aims to increase equity in Cleveland’s arts and culture industries, launched in summer 2021 after more than a year of planning by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Arts Cleveland, and the Arts and Culture Action Committee, with support from the Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation. In its first year, Assembly worked hand in hand with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture to secure $3.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Arts advocates are gathering input to help increase funding in Greater Cleveland
Date: December 19, 2022
By: Signal Cleveland, Olivera Perkins
Abstract:
If you’re attending an arts or cultural event in Cuyahoga County in the next several months, don’t be surprised if volunteers invite you to complete a survey that includes asking what you spent in connection with attending the event.
They’re not being nosey. The volunteers are part of a national effort to document the economic impact of the arts locally and then use these findings as leverage to increase government and other funding for arts.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture awards $560,000 for artists and resident-led programs
Date: December 14
By: Ideastream Public Media | Kabir Bhatia
Abstract:
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture approved more than $560,000 Wednesday at its board meeting for artists and resident-led projects.
“It’s about igniting the power of everyday people to make change in their communities,” said Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Executive Director Jill Paulsen.
ASSEMBLY FOR THE ARTS HIRES CHIEF COMMUNITY OFFICER
December 5, 2022
Media Contact:
Malissa Bodmann
216-536-7517
ASSEMBLY FOR THE ARTS HIRES CHIEF COMMUNITY OFFICER
Arts Champion Will Draw on Her Experience with Diverse Artists and Institutions
CLEVELAND, OHIO — Assembly for the Arts has hired arts leader Deidre McPherson as its first Chief Community Officer. McPherson will lead efforts to improve equity and connections among arts nonprofits, individual creatives and small business communities in Northeast Ohio.
Jeremy Johnson, President and CEO of Assembly for the Arts, said McPherson will help the organization achieve its mission to ensure that everyone who lives and works in Greater Cleveland benefits from a diverse and equitable art and cultural sector.
“Deidre is a widely known and respected arts champion. She understands Greater Cleveland’s arts and culture landscape. I’ve seen her work firsthand, leading various initiatives that center the voices of our region’s diverse creatives. She will be a great asset to our team, making connections and expanding efforts to understand and deliver what artists of color and other communities need to thrive,” Johnson said.
Prior to joining Assembly, McPherson held leadership roles at the Cleveland Museum of Art (2017-2021) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (2014-2017). At both institutions, she was responsible for curating and managing events and exhibition-inspired programs designed to create vibrant, socially relevant, and welcoming destinations. Most recently, McPherson was the Director of Artistic and Community Initiatives for FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art (2021-2022), where she introduced community engagement practices that focused on uplifting historically marginalized populations of Greater Cleveland.
McPherson said she was drawn to Assembly because it has “has done an incredible job developing an artist and community-centered approach that has a bold and unapologetic focus on eradicating inequities in the arts. Jeremy Johnson, the Assembly board, and staff have put the organization in a strong position with great opportunities ahead. I’m extremely proud to have a chance to work alongside them to build on what’s been accomplished to date.”
“I want artists and our creative community to know that they don’t have to leave Cleveland for larger cities to have a sustainable career,” she said. “We have an arts ecosystem led by bright leaders with visionary ideas that can transform and improve the quality of life in our communities. We have the talent, grit, amenities, and passion to make our city a place where artists and creatives can build, and entrepreneurs can thrive. I’m committed to working with Assembly to support them
in bringing their creative projects to life in ways that help improve the quality of life for Clevelanders, especially in parts of our city that need it the most.”
McPherson earned an MBA in marketing from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in music performance. She serves on the boards of Bike Cleveland, Sankofa Fine Art Plus, and Cleveland VOTES.
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
Nonprofit Assembly for the Arts appoints arts leader Deidre McPherson as its first chief community officer
Date: December 1, 2022
By: Steven Litt, cleveland.com
Abstract: CLEVELAND, Ohio — The nonprofit Assembly for the Arts, an umbrella organization for the city’s cultural sector, announced Thursday it has appointed consultant Deidre McPherson as its first chief community officer.
The appointment signals the intensification of the Assembly’s efforts to improve equity and opportunity for individual artists and practitioners of all kinds, and among the city’s creative industries and nonprofit institutions.
12 arts orgs receive $7.55-million
PRESS RELEASE: November 1, 2022
Media Contact: Malissa Bodmann; 216-536-7517
12 CUYAHOGA COUNTY ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVED $7.55-MILLION IN STATE CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS AND EXPANSION
CLEVELAND, OH – The State of Ohio’s 2023-2024 capital appropriations budget awarded $7.55 million to arts and culture organizations in Cuyahoga County, providing critical funding to allow building projects and improvements to move forward. The state funds were distributed in September 2022.
“A robust creative economy is crucial to the vitality of Cuyahoga County. As we wrap up National Arts and Humanities Month, we wanted to salute the commitment to the arts from the Cuyahoga delegation and the other members of the Ohio General Assembly who voted to invest in arts and culture,” Jeremy Johnson, President and CEO of Assembly for the Arts, said. “Each dollar that we spend strengthening the creative sector brings dividends back to the local economy.”
Cuyahoga County’s nationally recognized arts and culture sector comprises diverse and wide-ranging nonprofit institutions, individual artists, and small businesses. Prior to the pandemic, the local creative economy generated $9.1 billion annually and supported 62,500 jobs.
State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) said he was pleased to support capital improvements for arts and culture in Cuyahoga County. “It’s important that our communities will reap benefits from the capital bill. This investment will help our region and bring growth to our jobs and economy across the state,” he said. “Our region’s arts and culture sector is an economic engine that contributes to the quality of life for every Northeast Ohio resident.”
State Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), a champion for arts and culture, said “capital investments in arts and culture strengthen our local economies and increase access to cultural experiences that reflect the diversity of our region. Northeast Ohio residents will benefit from cultural facilities that will be brighter, safe and more accessible.”
Funding for the following 12 capital projects will bring improvements and expansion to their respective facilities across the county. The projects include restorations, renovations, major maintenance, design and safety enhancements. The investments will ultimately enhance the vibrancy of the region and boost travel and tourism in the area.
| Eric Mendelsohn Park Synagogue Campus Restoration | $1,000,000 |
| Playhouse Square | $1,000,000 |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Expansion | $1,000,000 |
| Cleveland Museum of Art Horace Kelley Art Foundation Lobby Renovation Phase II | $900,000 |
| Cleveland Museum of Natural History | $900,000 |
| The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) | $550,000 |
| Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum | $500,000 |
| Kulas Hall Renovation – Cleveland Institute of Music | $500,000 |
| Severance Music Center, Home of The Cleveland Orchestra | $500,000 |
| New Bridge Cleveland Center for Arts and Technology | $325,000 |
| Beck Center for the Arts | $200,000 |
| Karamu House Educational Wing Renovations | $175,000 |
“Bolstering the arts and culture ecosystem will help our economy recover from the pandemic,” said Fred Bidwell, Assembly for the Arts Board of Trustees President. “A stronger creative sector brings more money to local retail, restaurants and lodging. We are grateful for this vital State support for our essential arts and culture institutions.”
# # # # #
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
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
Supporting Great Arts Across the Region
Source: WKYC Studios
Abstract: Leon speaks with Jeremy Johnson of Assembly for the Arts about all the hard work they do to support local artists.
FRONT International, Case Western Reserve University and The Assembly for the Arts to Host The Art Futures Forum on September 16 and 17
FRONT International, Case Western Reserve University and The Assembly for the Arts to Host The Art Futures Forum on September 16 and 17
This first-ever summit will focus on equity in the visual arts from an academic, institutional and community perspective.
(Cleveland, OH – September 9, 2022) — FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art, in partnership with Case Western Reserve University and Assembly for the Arts, is pleased to announce a two-day conference taking place September 16–17, 2022, to engage the public in conversations about how arts institutions can better reflect and fulfill the needs of their communities. The Cleveland Museum of Art will host the first day of the conference at Gartner Auditorium. The following day will occur at the Samson Pavilion, within Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic's joint Health Education Campus.
"We are excited to launch this unprecedented gathering of leaders in our arts community," said Fred Bidwell, Executive Director of FRONT International. "This partnership with Case Western Reserve University and The Assembly for the Arts is a promising opportunity for thought leaders in our community to collaborate on ways that arts and culture can better reflect and serve our communities. We hope to repeat the Art Futures Forum during the next edition of FRONT in 2025 so that we can benchmark our progress."
Its first day serves as the 48th annual edition of The Cleveland Symposium—one of the longest-running yearly art history graduate symposia in the United States—organized by students in Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Museum of Art's joint graduate program. This year's Symposium is entitled Recentering the Periphery: An Inclusive Future of Art History and will feature presentations by visiting scholars and graduate students from universities across the country. These presentations will explore how scholars and institutions can help reshape art historical narratives and recenter subjects long treated as peripheral, broadening the boundaries of the traditionally defined art historical canon and curriculum in an endeavor towards a more equitable future for the discipline.
The second day of the Art Futures Forum will focus on how cultural institutions can better share stories of creative expression and consider new models to serve and empower their communities. The day will start with a panel discussion with the leaders of major arts institutions in Northeast Ohio, moderated by Jennifer Coleman, Program Director, Creative Culture and Art for the George Gund Foundation. The panel will be Fred Bidwell, Executive Director of FRONT International; Bill Griswold, Director of the Cleveland Museum of Art; Jon Fiume, Director of the Akron Art Museum; Kathryn Heidemann, President of the Cleveland Institute of Art; and Megan Lykins-Reich, Director of moCa Cleveland. After several years of turbulence and reflection in the museum field, these leaders will discuss what they have done and are planning to do to meet the heightened expectations of the communities they serve. Following the panel and lunch, attendees can choose to participate in one of a selection of Community Conversations. These Community Conversations aim to create a space for neighborhood-focused community leaders and artists to introduce their initiatives and discuss how institutions and individuals with access can leverage their power in support of initiatives in underserved communities as part of their equity efforts. By convening artists, arts administrators, funders, scholars, and creative entrepreneurs, the Art Futures Forum hopes to foster meaningful connections and inspire purposeful actions.
Day one programming is presented with support from the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities, Nancy and Joseph Keithley, and Friends of Art. Programming for day two is presented with support by the George Gund Foundation and The Terra Foundation.
About FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art
Launched in 2018, FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art is a free, public contemporary art exhibition comprising artist commissions, performances, films, and public programs. The inaugural edition brought over 90,000 visitors from more than 25 countries and generated $31 million in economic impact in the region. Oh, Gods of Dust and Rainbows, the second iteration of FRONT International will run from July 16 through October 2, 2022. Building on the first edition's success, FRONT 2022 furthers the Triennial's commitment to the belief that by supporting creative communities and stimulating new cultural encounters in the region, contemporary art can be an essential catalyst for positive social change. For more information, visit frontart.org or follow @FRONTtriennial.
About Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University is one of the country's leading private research institutions. Located in Cleveland, we offer a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. Our leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Our nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 5,800 undergraduate and 6,300 graduate students comprise our student body. Visit case.edu to see how Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the possible.
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 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
Press Contacts
Hunter Braithwaite
Director, Cultural Counsel
hunter@culturalcounsel.com
Emma Frohardt
Account Executive, Cultural Counsel
emma@culturalcounsel.com
Devon Ma
Account Coordinator, Cultural Counsel
devon@culturalcounsel.com
Assembly for the Arts Selects Arts Leadership Residency Cohort
PRESS RELEASE: September 7, 2022
Media Contact: Malissa Bodmann | 216-536-7517
Assembly for the Arts Selects Arts Leadership Residency Cohort
26 participants represent individual artists, nonprofits and creative businesses
CLEVELAND, OHIO — Assembly for the Arts has named the first cohort of the Arts Leadership Residency in partnership with the Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC). The 26 participants reflect Assembly’s commitment to increase equity in the arts and culture sector. Of the 25 who responded, more than 70% identify as Black or African American, 68% are women, 12% are nonbinary, 16% live with a disability.
The program provides management support, coaching, and tools to artists, cultural nonprofits, and small- to mid-sized creative businesses. Expanding on the model of traditional artist residencies, the Arts Leadership Residency offers a $1,000 stipend and dedicated learning sessions to address a self-defined business goal or objective. Participants will have access to entrepreneurial expertise, mentorship from the CLC alumni network, and expertise of the other artists and small creative businesses participating in the program.
The Arts Leadership Residency begins September 2022 and runs through February 2023.
The artists selected for the program are:
- Amanda Dian King, Amanda D. King Studio
- Antwoine Washington, Museum of Creative Human Art
- Ashley Rowell, ATNSC
- Charde Young
- Charmaine Spencer
- Christina Keegan
- Cierra Rembert
- Denise Astorino, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
- Diana Chittester
- Diane M. Troyer
- Ephraim Abdullah, AfricaHouse International
- Erykah Townsend
- Gina Washington, The Visit Arts Collective and Mateza Gallery
- Jonathan Lee Thomas, FashionTV Network/Great Lakes TV
- Kierra McDade, Temple of Passions
- Maegen Holm
- Mary Kay Thomas, Rhythmic Artistry
- Kayli Salzano, Waterloo Arts
- Nicole Hatcher, Foluke Cultural Arts Center, Inc
- Odin Blak, Dark Blak Studios
- Robin Robinson, Sankofa Fine Art Plus
- Samuel McIntosh, 10K Movement
- Talise Campbell, Djapo Cultural Arts Institute
- Tanya Kaiser, Kaiser Gallery
- Valerie Mayen, Yellowcake Shop
- Zuggie Tate, Black Space Inc.
“We are thrilled to launch this cohort to strengthen a talented and diverse group of artists through the Arts Leadership Residency, powered by Huntington and the Huntington Entrepreneur in Residence program,” said Jeremy Johnson, president and CEO of Assembly for the Arts. “These artists, nonprofits and creative businesses are already impactful in their work, but the coaching with an equity lens from Cleveland Leadership Center will help take their work to the next level. The program was designed to help artists, especially artists of color, break down barriers to success through access to business resources, networking and dedicated time. ”
Assembly received support from the Entrepreneur In Residence Powered by Huntington and The George Gund Foundation for the development of this program. The George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation and the ArtsNEXT program of the Ohio Arts Council provided additional support to the Arts Leadership Residency
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 Leadership Center (CLC) provides collaborative leadership training, civic education and connections to leaders of all ages, empowering them to identify and take action on issues that resonate with them and positioning them to become change agents in the community. www.cleveleads.org
Entrepreneur in Residence powered by Huntington https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huntington-bank-and-city-of-cleveland-announce-entrepreneurship-program-to-help-regions-small-businesses-grow-301468659.html
