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By Veronica Thornton
It is impossible for people to use resources they don’t know exist. Many funding organizations are starting to realize this as they re-evaluate and restructure some of their practices. So when people talk about equity they have to also talk about making more of an effort to inform people they are trying to reach the resources available. Traditionally people staying focused on survival do not have time to research what resources may or may not be available, especially if they don’t know any exist .
Assembly for the Arts is increasing its efforts to provide information and resources for the arts community and increase availability and knowledge of resources for artists. Assembly for the Arts is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that researches and uses data to assist in advocating for equity within the local arts culture for individual artists and creative businesses.
Earlier this year Assembly for the Arts spearheaded a campaign that assisted creatives in lobbying for money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to be allocated to the local arts & culture community from Cuyahoga County governmental bodies. Those funds were granted to the arts & culture community last month, granting $3.3 million dollars . Assembly for the Arts is pulling out all the stops to reach as many artists and creative businesses as possible to inform them of available resources, including how and when to apply for Covid relief funds.
Applications for Covid relief funds for artists and creative businesses from ARPA dollars will open on August 17th, 2022. Creatives can visit the Assembly for the Arts website at assemblycle.org to submit an online application. They will also be facilitating several workshops around Greater Cleveland to assist potential applicants with the process. Simultaneously they will be launching the American Economic Prosperity 6 Study ,to provide data from local art events that substantiate the economic impact on communities holding arts & cultural events, and comparing them to 395 participating communities nationwide. This will provide data supporting how the arts increase economic development and growth.
