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Cuyahoga County is home to thousands of artists, creative businesses, and cultural nonprofits in an around Cleveland. Each one of these sectors contributes to the vibrant communities we call home and improve our quality of life.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture
In acknowledgement of the arts and culture sector’s benefits, Cuyahoga County residents have twice voted in favor of a tax dedicated to funding arts and culture nonprofits. Those funds are distributed by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, a government entity that has made over 3,700 grants to 472 nonprofit organizations totaling over $235 million since 2007. That funding has been critical to fields ability to deliver on the above promises.
CAC is governed by the State of Ohio’s revised code. Its Board members are appointed by Cuyahoga County Executive. All Board Meetings are open to the public. Visit their website to view all the great work of CAC and the nonprofits it funds.
Maintaining Public Support
Assembly works closely with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and a political action committee, Assembly for Action, to educate state and local legislators, share data, and ensure they have what they need to make informed decisions about public sector support of arts and culture. Past efforts have resulted in extraordinary support for arts and culture.
Notably, former Cuyahoga County Executive, Armond Budish dedicated $3.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to arts and culture. Assembly for the Arts and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture partnered to distribute these one-time dollars directly to the community through special relief funding programs for nonprofit organizations, individual artists and creative businesses. We continue to find new ways to work with county government to support the field of arts and culture.
TALKING POINTS
Education
In- and -out-of-school arts and cultural activities improve educational outcomes across the board and provide unique and important life opportunities for young people.
Tourism and Pride
Arts and culture provides Millions of experiences for families and visitors.
Local economy
Creative industries contribute $9.1 Billion to the local economy and the jobs that go along with it.
Quality of Life and Safety
Research shows the presence of arts and culture activity helps residents feel better and safer.
Stronger more vibrant communities
Arts and cultural activities build connections to neighborhoods and each other.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
SHOW UP: We host Assemblies to discuss the State of the Arts each quarter.
SHARE OUT: If you support arts and culture, use the messages above to keep the public benefit of arts and culture fresh in people’s minds. If you benefit from Share the importance of CAC funding to maintaining your mission and getting out into the community.
BUILD CONNECTIONS: Maintain relationships with your local and state representatives. Listen, learn, and support. Take a look through the toolkit for help on getting started.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT: Become of member of Assembly to stay up to date on future opportunities.