16.1 Types of Arts and Culture Programs in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio is home to a wide range of arts and culture nonprofits, each offering unique programs that support artists, engage communities, and preserve cultural heritage. These organizations provide educational opportunities, advocate for the arts, and bring performances and exhibitions to the public. This section highlights several key types of programs and the organizations behind them.

Arts Education and Community Engagement

Many arts organizations in Northeast Ohio focus on education, helping people of all ages develop artistic skills and explore creative expression.

• Art House, Inc. offers affordable and free art programs to residents of Cleveland’s West Side. It provides workshops, classes, and community events led by local artists, making visual and creative arts accessible to all.
• The Rainey Institute provides arts education programs, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts, for children in underserved communities. These programs give young people a chance to explore their creativity while gaining valuable skills in self-expression and teamwork.
• Fatima Family Center runs Embracing the Arts, a program that introduces children, families, and senior adults to music, dance, and visual arts through classes taught by professional artists.
• Organizations like the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and the Cleveland Print Room provide more intimate spaces for artistic expression and education. These smaller nonprofits often focus on specific artistic practices or underserved communities, offering workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences that foster local talent.
• The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby also provides opportunities for young people to explore their creative potential.

Advocacy and Support for the Arts

Some organizations work behind the scenes to ensure that artists and cultural institutions have the funding, policies, and visibility they need to succeed.

• Assembly for the Arts advocates for racial equity, cultural policy, and increased funding for arts organizations in Cleveland. It provides research, marketing, and business support to artists, nonprofits, and creative businesses.
• Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) distributes public funding to arts and culture organizations through grants. Funded by a cigarette tax, CAC has awarded over $200 million to support performances, exhibitions, and public art projects in Cuyahoga County.

Cultural Preservation and Performance

Performing arts and cultural institutions in Northeast Ohio not only entertain audiences but also preserve and celebrate history, heritage, and storytelling.

• Karamu House, the oldest producing Black theater in the United States, stages performances that highlight the Black experience while also offering arts education and community programs.
• Great Lakes Theater brings classic plays to life at Playhouse Square, with a strong focus on Shakespeare. The company also runs educational programs that introduce thousands of students to theater each year.
• Cleveland Public Theatre creates performances that address social issues and provide a platform for diverse voices. The theater offers workshops and programs that engage marginalized communities through the arts.

Funding and Philanthropy in the Arts

Foundations play a key role in sustaining arts organizations by providing grants that support both large institutions and smaller community-based programs.

• The George Gund Foundation supports arts organizations that focus on community pride, education, and access to cultural experiences. It funds both well-established institutions and emerging arts groups.
• The Nord Family Foundation prioritizes arts programs that serve children and youth, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to cultural opportunities. Its funding helps theaters, music programs, and visual arts organizations reach a wider audience.

Northeast Ohio’s arts and culture sector thrives because of the contributions of these organizations. Whether through education, advocacy, performance, or financial support, each plays a role in making the arts more accessible and impactful for the community.