Creative civic engagement is about helping artists and community members understand how public decisions shape the conditions we create, work, and live within. Choices made at the polls impact arts funding, tax policy, neighborhood development, public space, education, and cultural investment. As artists help carry the voice of the people, this resource is designed to help Cleveland’s creative community stay informed, connected, and prepared to advocate for itself.
how civics impact the arts
Cigarette Tax + Arts Funding
A voter-approved cigarette tax helps fund Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and supports arts and cultural organizations across the county. This matters to artists because public funding helps organizations pay artists, produce programs, and offer accessible cultural experiences.
Cannabis Tax Revenue + Cultural Funding Options
Ohio’s adult-use cannabis tax creates revenue that cities like Cleveland can use for lawful public purposes. This matters to the creative community because local leaders could choose to direct a portion of those funds toward public art, artist-led projects, youth creative employment, or neighborhood cultural development.
City-Led Arts Initiatives + Public Art Systems
Cleveland has several systems that shape how public art and cultural projects happen, including city budgets, public art ordinances, design review, and special initiatives. This matters because artists need to know where opportunities exist, how decisions are made, and how to participate in public processes.
Engage with the links below
to learn more
Engage with the links below to learn more
how civics impact the arts
Cigarette Tax + Arts Funding
A voter-approved cigarette tax helps fund Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and supports arts and cultural organizations across the county. This matters to artists because public funding helps organizations pay artists, produce programs, and offer accessible cultural experiences.
Cannabis Tax Revenue + Cultural Funding Options
Ohio’s adult-use cannabis tax creates revenue that cities like Cleveland can use for lawful public purposes. This matters to the creative community because local leaders could choose to direct a portion of those funds toward public art, artist-led projects, youth creative employment, or neighborhood cultural development.
City-Led Arts Initiatives + Public Art Systems
Cleveland has several systems that shape how public art and cultural projects happen, including city budgets, public art ordinances, design review, and special initiatives. This matters because artists need to know where opportunities exist, how decisions are made, and how to participate in public processes.
Engage with the links below
to learn more
Past Exhibitions
