Cleveland’s Transformative Arts Fund grant application now open

CLEVELAND — The application for Cleveland’s Transformative Arts Fund (TAF) grant program is now open, according to a press release from the city.

The fund provides almost $3 million to local artists to fund their projects, and the application portal is open until 11:59 p.m. on March 30.

“Our local creative community provides the heartbeat that keeps our neighborhoods vibrant and alive – they inspire our children, bring difficult societal challenges to light, and empower us to take action,” Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said in the release. “This transformative-level of funding we will be providing is designed to award artists who propose projects that will have a sustained, positive impact in the community long after they are completed.”

Money ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 will be awarded to a minimum of 6 but up to 12 total projects. The release notes that while the lead artist or artists apply, they need a commitment from a partner organization “who will provide organizational support and administrative assistance for the project.”

The release also laid out the following criteria for the projects to receive consideration:

• The lead artist must be 18+ years old and live in the City of Cleveland
• The partnering institution must be located in the City of Cleveland
• The proposed project must be based in the City of Cleveland

The art is not restricted to a particular focus area, and the city is encouraging various kinds of artists from painters, to musicians to filmmakers and others to apply for the grants. The release notes that “special consideration” is given to projects that work address “vacant land reutilization, the environment, food insecurity, violence prevention, safe spaces in the city, social determinants of health, and matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell said in the release that he played instruments for hours after school when he was a child.

“This sparked a creative fire in me and kept me out of trouble,” he said. “The arts are a catalyst for innovation, pushing boundaries, and challenging the status quo.  This is a big deal for Cleveland.”

The applications will be judged by an advisory committee led by local artists, which will make final recommendations to the mayor and representatives for city council. The recipients of awards will receive word this summer.

There will be six informational sessions hosted by the city on this process, the first being Feb. 8.

The city is partnering with The Assembly for the Arts on this program. According to the release, this partnership will ensure artists can receive the money upfront instead of being reimbursed by the city upon completion. The artists who receive awards will need to offer a progress report to the city every quarter.

“The arts foster community engagement and social cohesion,” Council President Blaine Griffin said in the release. “They bring people together, promote dialogue, and encourage collaboration. By supporting the arts fund, we invest in projects and initiatives that bring diverse communities together, bridge social divides, and promote understanding and empathy. I commend my colleague Councilman Kevin Conwell for his leadership and push to make this transformative arts fund a reality.”