(Long Island, NY) In an effort to continuously revitalize and develop cities in the Midwest,investing in local creativity through artist fellowship programs is an increasingly popular trend. One of these fellowship programs has pulled experts from across the nation, including a number of New York-based professional artists, to help select who will receive their fellowship awards. This year, Jason Lujan, Raul Valverde, Jean Cook and Erwin Maas served on a panel for the Creative Workforce Fellowship, a grant program that provides $15,000 awards for 40 artists living in greater Cleveland, Ohio.
To date, local Fellowship programs have popped up in such cities as Cleveland (Community Partnership for Arts and Culture-CPAC), Detroit (Kresge Arts in Detroit), and St. Louis (Regional Arts Commission). These programs have collectively contributed millions of dollars to artists with the understanding that they are key drivers of growth and development in their respective regions; a message for which New York is well-known.
Each program is slightly different and tailored to its local context. The primary through-line is that artists receive substantial funding to research, develop and promote their work; funding is not tied to a project. As New York is well known for supporting its artist communities, and the talent it takes to be successful in the city, it was an obvious choice for finding talent to adjudicate Cleveland’s Creative Workforce Fellowships.
Recently, New Yorkers Jason Lujan, Raul Valverde, Jean Cook and Erwin Maas, served on a panel to select Creative Workforce Fellowship recipients. 40 Cleveland-area artists received a total of $600,000.
Arguably, the most unique aspect of CPAC’s program is its source of funding. CPAC receives a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture made possible by the residents of Cuyahoga County to support the program. As recipients of public dollars, Fellowship participants will connect directly to community members through public events or other activities in 2016.
To support transparency in how the grants are selected, the second round review was conducted publicly via webinar, and recordings are available on CPAC’s website.
“It was interesting to see the number of competitive applications from classical musicians,” says Jean Cook, producer and Director of Programs for Future of Music Coalition and founder and director of Anti Social Music, a New York-based new music collective. “Not only does Cleveland host talent, the new ideas that are coming out of the region were refreshing to see, particularly in the Classical music realm.”
“CPAC was very excited that these accomplished New York artists were available to review the applications, and see first hand the incredible talent coming out of Cleveland,” says Valerie Schumacher, Director of Artist Services, CPAC, “It’s a lot of work for panelists. The 40 artists who were selected reflect the expertise and perspectives that these artists brought to the scoring criteria and bring to New York City everyday. The Fellowships recognize highly skilled, innovative artists that make very clear contributions to Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.”
For more information on the popular fellowship trend, or to arrange interviews with the New York panelists for the Creative Workforce Fellowship program, or the CPAC team, please contact Becki Silverstein at Becki@rebeccaadele.com or via phone at 440-227-8794. Hi-res photography is also available upon request.
ABOUT COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR ARTS AND CULTURE (CPAC):
Communities thrive through arts and culture. This is what drives the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture. CPAC serves arts and culture professionals, community leaders and visionaries, who are shaping greater Cleveland. CPAC’s research and advocacy helps leaders and decision-makers stay informed. Our training, online programs and customized advice build ideas, skills and connections for those we serve. CPAC brings people together and inspires purposeful action in the community. All of this work ensures arts and culture is a continued force for making greater Cleveland an even better place to live, work and visit. For more information, please visit www.CultureForward.org.
ABOUT CUYAHOGA ARTS & CULTURE (CAC):
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s mission is to inspire and strengthen the community by investing in arts and culture. Cuyahoga County residents created Cuyahoga Arts & Culture in 2006 when they approved a tax on cigarettes to support arts and culture in our community. In 2015, the community affirmed its commitment to arts and culture by extending the tax through 2027 with Issue 8. Cuyahoga Arts & Culture has invested more than $140 million in more than 300 organizations to deliver on the promise made to support thousands of enriching arts and culture experiences in every corner of the county. In addition, CAC supported 161 Cuyahoga County artists through the Creative Workforce Fellowship since 2009. For more information, visit www.cacgrants.org.
