Sources
Americans for the Arts
National Endowment for the Arts
The Partnership Movement
Community Partnership for Arts and Culture/Arts Cleveland
Our conclusions.
Revenue Loss
- Our local community is losing revenue due to artists needing to find working studio space in other communities
- People spend money in the communities where they work – they eat, shop and “play” in these areas
- Younger residents leave upon graduation from highschool and college to live in other areas that have a more “hip” vibe
Need
- With more people identifying as working artists than any other area in Greater Cleveland, there is a strong need for accessible, affordable working studio spaces in our area
- Artists prefer working in a space where they can occassionally interact with other creatives
- Young people and families love the Heights – they like the housing stock, walkability and affordability, but they desire more creative and lively events and opportunities
Organization Goals
- Affordable studio space for local artists and creators
- Community art lessons
- Provide resources to ARTFUL artists to support their business practices and marketing
- Event space available for rent (will hopefully include outdoor space)
- Curated Gallery – showcasing local, regional and national artists. This gallery will also foster an educational program where students, interns and artists will learn aspects of art as a business
- Retail space featuring ARTFUL artists and local creators & online retail presence
- HEIGHTS NIGHTS – a coordinated evening of open studios and galleries with a shuttle that rotates between ARTFUL, Cedar/Lee area and Coventry area, and other participating districts
- heARTFUL Program – Yoga in the yard, and other healthy living activities
- Outreach program & internships with soon-to-be, or recent graduates from Cleveland Institute of Art and other area art programs
Community Goals
- Re-energize the belief that Cleveland Heights is “Home To The Arts”
- Develop a true partnership with interested parties – building owner, artists, community members, area non-profits and local Government
- Bring together community, businesses and government to achieve a new “buzz” about the vitality of the inner-ring and near-east suburbs
- Promote East side as offering similar, but better features, especially in the arts, as growing West side area & prevent “brain drain” and “creative drain” by providing an exciting, creative atmosphere
- Play off of proximity to Cultural Center of Cleveland
- Create more foot traffic in economically vulnerable section of Cleveland Heights
- Coordinate loyal shopper program with area retailers and restaurants
- HEIGHTS NIGHTS – a coordinated evening of open studios and galleries with a shuttle that rotates between ARTFUL, Cedar/Lee area and Coventry area, and other participating districts
