Being a solo artist doesn’t have to be a struggle—especially with unprecedented support from organizations like Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC). In November and December, the CAC board approved $347,000 in grants for six nonprofit partners that will provide artists with professional development, flexible and project-based monetary support, and access to physical spaces in early 2019.

Let there be art! Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) announced on Monday, November 13, that it will invest $12,077,556 in 282 Cuyahoga County nonprofit organizations through its general operating support and project support grant programs in 2019. Of those grants, 29 organizations are first-time CAC grant recipients; for many of them, 2019 marks the first year they even applied. Meet four of CAC's first-time grantees and learn about the colorful work they're doing in Cleveland.

Few things give a neighborhood a boost of pride and sense of place like a work of public art. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) wants to help make the connection between civic-minded artists and Cuyahoga County-based nonprofit organizations seeking a collaborative way to solve problems and benefit the community. Enter the Learning Lab—a professional development program designed to train artists in civic, social, public, and placemaking practices.

The Land has been a welcoming place for immigrants since the dawn of the 20th century—when Cleveland was the nation’s fifth most important immigrant gateway city. Over 100 years later, immigrants continue to be a vital part of Cleveland’s population. Their significant impact is felt not only in Cleveland’s economy and vibrancy, but also celebrated in the city’s cultural offerings.

Take a visual journey through the great work of five organizations highlighting Cleveland’s immigrants with grants from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

Warm, sunny weather has finally arrived in Northeast Ohio, and folks are eager to shake off those winter blues. Clevelanders know how to take advantage of the summer months like no other, and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture meets that need with a wide range of outdoor activities offered by their grantees. 

Much like the Cleveland Museum of Art's motto, “for the benefit of all of the people forever,” many other local arts organizations also try to ensure that everyone can enjoy their offerings—no matter what life challenges they may face. Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) supports area cultural organizations that put forth an extra effort in accommodating patrons with special needs.

The process of producing paintings, ceramics, and other art—as well as making music—isn’t just a creative skill. It’s a life skill. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture recognizes the importance of art and music therapy, supporting about 20 area organizations that offer such programming. FreshWater takes an inside look at their colorful and cathartic work.

Nearly a dozen nature and science organizations receive support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, and they provide an integral foundation for exploring the county’s rich variety of resources—from the Great Lakes Science Center on Lake Erie’s coast to suburban nature centers, downtown community gardens, and grassroots nonprofits.

A 10-member team of artists and community leaders is helping to shape the next wave of individual support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

With 2018 in sight, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) is again poised to make a significant impact on local non-profit arts organizations with $12 million in grant funding. While many associate Cuyahoga County's arts and cultural scene with the well-known institutions that receive general operating support, the smaller organizations that receive project support are often unsung heroes making a difference in their communities.

When the community talks, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) listens. As CAC enters its second decade of funding arts and cultural programming in Northeast Ohio, one of its top priorities will be working to achieve equity and diversity in programming—a focus identified as the result of a community listening project and in-depth assessments.