Cleveland Transforming Arts Fund Grant Applications Now Accepted

CLEVELAND — Applications are now open for Cleveland’s Transforming Arts Fund (TAF) grant program, according to a press release from the City of Cleveland.

The fund provides approximately $3 million in project funding for local artists, and the application portal is open until March 30 at 11:59 p.m.

“Our local creative community provides the heartbeat that keeps our neighborhoods vibrant and vibrant. They provide inspiration to our children,” Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said in a release. “It gives us a lot of energy, shines a light on difficult social issues and empowers us to take action.” “This innovative level of funding we are providing is designed to award artists whose projects will have a lasting, positive impact on their communities long after they are completed.”

Six total and up to 12 projects will be awarded awards ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. The release states that lead artists must have a commitment from a partner organization to “provide organizational and administrative support to the project” when applying.

This release also establishes the following criteria for projects to be considered:

• Lead artist must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the City of Cleveland
• Partner institution must be located in the City of Cleveland
• Proposed project must be based in the City of Cleveland

The arts are not limited to a particular focus area, and the city encourages different types of artists to apply for grants, including painters, musicians, and filmmakers. The release states that projects that address “issues of vacant land reuse, the environment, food insecurity, violence prevention, urban safe spaces, social determinants of health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion” will receive “special consideration.” ‘ is given. ”

Cleveland City Councilman Kevin Conwell said in a release that as a child, he spent hours playing instruments after school.

“It lit a creative fire inside me and kept me out of trouble,” he said. “Art is a catalyst for innovation, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. This is a big thing for Cleveland.”

Entries will be reviewed by an advisory committee led by local artists, who will make final recommendations to the Mayor and City Council representatives. Winners will be notified this summer.

There will be six city-sponsored information sessions on this process, the first of which will be held on February 8th.

The city is partnering with Assembly for the Arts on this program. The partnership will allow artists to receive money upfront, rather than having the city refund them upon completion, according to the release. Award-winning artists will be required to report their progress to the city quarterly.

“Arts promote community participation and social cohesion,” Council President Blaine Griffin said in the release. “They bring people together, foster dialogue, and encourage collaboration. By supporting the Arts Fund, we support projects and initiatives that connect diverse communities, bridge social divides, and promote understanding and empathy. I commend my colleague Councilman Kevin Conwell for his leadership in making this innovative arts fund a reality.”