FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

Overview

Assembly for the Arts works to expand resources for artists in Greater Cleveland. This is a curated listing of local, state, and national artist funding opportunities to help artists grow and sustain their creative practice.

Featured Grant Programs

• SPACES Urgent Art Fund: 12 awards of $4,000 each to Cuyahoga County artists/collectives for socially, politically, or culturally responsive art. Includes on-site production facilities, mentorship, SPACES ArtsPass membership, and Assembly for the Arts membership.
• SPACES – Satellite Fund: Grant for established and emerging visual artists, cultural producers, and Cuyahoga County residents with demonstrated ability. Awardees receive cash award, SPACES membership, and professional development.
• Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Awards: Multiple award programs including Individual Excellence, Artists with Disabilities Access Program, Traditional Arts Apprenticeship, and Artist Opportunities (Professional Development and Project Support).
• Spark Grants: Up to $1,000 in easy-access funds with quick turnaround for artists, arts nonprofits, and creative businesses. For public initiatives or events.
• Assembly for the Arts – Creative Impact Fund: Applications open April 5 – May 31, 2024. 17 awards of $10,000 each to individual Cuyahoga County-based artists. Includes professional development, mentorship, and Assembly membership.
• Assembly for the Arts – Rapid Action Grant: Up to $2,000 for Cuyahoga County-based artists for arts-centered public projects, events, or creative needs. Rolling applications until $14,000 distributed.
• Community Revitalization Fellowship: Applications close Monday, April 8th, 2024. Learning opportunity for grassroots community leaders to revitalize struggling neighborhoods.
• City of Cleveland Transformative Arts Fund: Applications close March 30, 2024. 6–12 projects receive $250,000–$500,000 for innovative, inclusive Cleveland-centric public art. Requires collaboration with city-based institutional partner.
• Dobama Theatre – FOCUS: Applications close April 15, 2024. Mentorship and training with paid professional opportunities for early career theater designers, technicians, and stage managers from underserved and underrepresented communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Disabled, Deaf, neurodivergent).
• Karamu House – Room in the House Fellowship: Applications open March, close May 3, 2024. 5 visual and 5 performing artists awarded $5,000 unrestricted funding, digital exhibition, curated events, and shared workspaces. For artists aligning with Karamu's vision of culturally and socially relevant work celebrating the Black experience.

Additional Artist Resources

• ClevelandArtsEvents.com/Opportunities: Website jointly managed by Assembly for the Arts and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture for artist profiles, events, and opportunities.
• Opportunities for Visual Artists in Northeast Ohio: Comprehensive list of art calls, funding, jobs, and spaces for visual artists.
• Candid: National organization with scholarships, fellowships, and awards for artists, students, and researchers.
• Creative Capital: National organization offering educational support on grant funding.
• Springboard for the Arts: National organization with grant-seeking and writing resources; individual consultations available.
• Artwork Archive: Guide to top artist residencies, calls-for-entry, grants, competitions, and more in the Midwest.

Fiscal Sponsorship

Leverage Assembly's nonprofit status to apply for funding from corporations and foundations.