Help Shape the Future of Artist Funding

At Assembly for the Arts, we are committed to valuing community voices, needs, and aspirations as a driving force for change. We strive to ensure that all artists and creatives in Greater Cleveland have access to funding opportunities to create and share their work. There are a variety of approaches to funding artists: merit-based awards, relief funds, fellowships, funding for specific projects, residencies, and grant opportunities. How have these programs worked or not worked for you?

Assembly was invited by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) to research and make recommendations for the best uses for CAC’s dedicated individual artist dollars. How should these funds be allocated to and invested in individual artists? A primary goal of this research is listening to artists who call Cuyahoga County home. As a next step in advancing support for artists in our region, we are hosting a series of Listening Sessions. We invite artists to share their experiences especially as it relates to funding. Our independent research consultant, Dr. Brea Heidelberg of ISO Arts Consulting, will facilitate these discussions to generate community feedback and recommendations that will inform future programs and services. Artists and creatives of every discipline (visual, dance, theater, music, film, design, literature, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to attend one of four scheduled Listening Sessions.

In advance of the Listening Session, please complete this survey:

Launch Survey

LISTENING SESSION SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 9 | 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Cornucopia Place at Burten, Bell, Carr Development (7201 Kinsman Rd, Suite 104, Cleveland)

REGISTER

Wednesday, September 27 | 5:30-8:00 PM
Virtual (Zoom)

REGISTER

Wednesday, October 18 | 5:30-8:00 PM
Ingenuity (5401 Hamilton Ave, Cleveland)

REGISTER

Saturday, October 21 | 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Kaiser Gallery (2418 Professor Ave, Cleveland)

REGISTER

This effort is made possible by generous support from the George Gund Foundation and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.