16.2 Sustaining the Arts Through Public Funding

Philanthropy is crucial for sustaining the arts as mentioned in the last section, but public funding can be a game changer. One of the most significant developments in Northeast Ohio’s arts and culture sector is the creation of Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC), a public agency that provides financial support to arts organizations through a dedicated public funding stream. Established in 2006 after voters approved a countywide cigarette tax, CAC has invested over $200 million in arts and culture initiatives, making it one of the largest local arts funders in the nation.

How Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Supports the Arts

CAC distributes funding through two primary grant programs:

• General Operating Support Grants provide stable, multi-year funding to established nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. This program helps institutions such as the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and Playhouse Square maintain their programming, staff, and long-term sustainability.
• Project Support Grants offer funding for smaller organizations and community-based arts initiatives, ensuring that diverse, grassroots projects receive the resources they need. These grants support a wide range of activities, including public art installations, theater productions, music festivals, and educational programs.

Through these grant programs, CAC funds more than 300 organizations each year, from major cultural institutions to small community-driven projects. This public investment helps ensure that Northeast Ohio remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression.

Expanding Access to the Arts

One of CAC’s key priorities is increasing access and equity in the arts. Recognizing that historically marginalized communities often have fewer opportunities to engage with cultural programming, CAC directs funding to initiatives that bring the arts to underrepresented audiences. This includes:

• Arts education programs for students in underserved schools, helping young people explore music, theater, and visual arts.
• Community arts festivals that celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage, ensuring that all residents can participate in public arts events.
• Programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities, making performances and exhibits more inclusive through accessible venues, sensory-friendly events, and outreach efforts.

By supporting these initiatives, CAC helps ensure that the arts are not just for elite audiences but are woven into the daily life of Northeast Ohio communities.

Driving Economic Growth and Cultural Identity

Beyond fostering creativity, CAC’s investments have had a measurable impact on the region’s economy and identity. Studies have shown that the arts sector in Cuyahoga County generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity each year, supporting jobs in arts administration, education, tourism, and hospitality. By providing consistent funding, CAC enables arts organizations to plan for the future, invest in local talent, and attract new audiences.

Moreover, the agency has helped solidify Northeast Ohio’s reputation as a national leader in arts funding and innovation. Few communities have such a robust public funding mechanism dedicated to the arts, and CAC’s model has been studied by other cities seeking to replicate its success.

The Future of Public Arts Funding

As the cigarette tax continues to generate revenue, CAC remains focused on adapting to the changing needs of the arts sector. With declining smoking rates, discussions about alternative funding sources—such as expanding the tax to include other products—have emerged. However, the agency continues to find innovative ways to distribute resources and sustain the arts for future generations.

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture demonstrates how public investment can make the arts more accessible, equitable, and economically beneficial. Through its continued support, CAC ensures that Northeast Ohio’s arts scene remains a powerful force in the community, shaping the cultural landscape for years to come.