Creative Workforce Fellowships

A few weeks back I was part of a strategic planning session with area arts leaders and funders.  We were all asked to look forward and imagine the Cleveland area in 2020, and how we might envision a best case scenario arts and culture community.  More than a few people mentioned that they would like to see the NE Ohio area come to be known for attracting artists and creative professionals as a viable place to thrive as an artist.  Many agreed that it would be ideal to be known nationally as a model city for infrastructure supporting the creative workforce. 

Luckily for our area, some of the seeds of that type of support infrastructure are already in place and positively impacting both working artists and the community.  The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) is engaging in its 2011 Creative Workforce Fellowship program, made possible by the citizens of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.  The program capitalizes 20 working artists by providing $20,000 cash awards, business support and training and free memberships in the COSE Arts Network.  The 2011 cycle will focus on artists working in craft, design, media or visual arts.  In addition to supporting the careers of these 20 individuals, the CWF program has a residual effect on the arts sector as well.  Past CWF winners have gone on to partner with arts nonprofits, collaborate with other working artists, deliver arts-based educational programming to the community, and support the work of other area artists either as a patron or champion.  If you are an artist based in Cuyahoga, or know one, please take some time to look into the CWF application process and get involved if eligible.