Recognizing Artists

It’s not easy being a working artist, musician, dancer or other creative professional.  Not only do artists have to deal with modest and fluctuating levels of income, but also the perceptual issues of not being held in the same regard as other small business owners or entrepreneurs.  At a recent conference a speaker mentioned that their national survey indicated that 97% of Americans said that they valued art, but only 27% indicated that they valued artists.  Those who go into the arts as a profession are sometimes perceived as selfish and frivolous and choosing an easy, care-free job that doesn’t contribute to society.  Of course most of us know otherwise, and anyone who has worked professionally in the creative arts can tell you that it is a tireless pursuit and that there is truly never any time when you are “off the clock,” as most of us can’t control when our creative wheels set to spinning. 

Currently the COSE Arts Network is working to combat the misperception that a job in the arts isn’t really a job.  Each year we present the COSE Arts Business and Innovation Awards, a program that recognizes outstanding arts entrepreneurs and business owners throughout Northeast Ohio.  Awards are being presented in four separate categories, the Individual Artist, Arts Business, Young Arts Entrepreneur, and the Arts and Culture Community Champion . 

Both self applications and nominations are being accepted, so if you know a deserving artist or arts business, please give them a nudge by nominating them online.  In particular, the Arts and Culture Community Champion award will honor a non-arts based business that has dedicated time, resources or energy to supporting a facet of the arts and culture sector.  If you know of any small businesses that have engaged in creative partnerships with the arts community, please go online  and bring them to our attention by nominating them. 

All applications and nominations are due my 5:00 pm on March 2^nd.  Three finalists in each category will be notified by April 1^st, and all finalists, as well as the top winners  in each category, will be honored on April 28^th at the COSE Arts Business and Innovation Awards Celebration at the Cleveland Public Theatre.