The Transformative Arts Fund (TAF) is a $3 million initiative made possible through federal aid received by the City of Cleveland in 2022. Created to empower Cleveland-based artists in partnership with local institutions, TAF supports bold, visionary public art projects that celebrate the spirit and future of our city.
A dynamic array of artist-led projects is now coming to life across Cleveland, with the program concluding on September 30, 2025. These initiatives represent inclusive, Cleveland-centered approaches to public art — each one designed to inspire, spark dialogue, and create meaningful social change.
The Transformative Arts Fund was shaped by a dedicated committee, nominated by peers and council members and appointed by the Mayor and City Council President. This distinguished group of civic and cultural leaders played a pivotal role in defining the fund’s mission, articulating a bold vision for public art in Cleveland, and developing a comprehensive artist evaluation rubric to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and artistic excellence. These community-rooted cultural leaders ensured that the fund truly reflects and supports transformative, community-based art across Cleveland.
Transformative Arts Fund Administrative Support
We are especially grateful to our administrative partners for their invaluable technical expertise, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment to the Transformative Arts Fund. Special thanks to Jeremy Johnson, Abigail Del Rio, and Deidre McPherson at Assembly for the Arts; Greg Peckham and Erin Guido at LAND studio; and the City departments that continue to support permitting, approvals, and project coordination. Their collective efforts have been essential in bringing these transformative projects to life across Cleveland.
Together, the committee and staff played a central role in launching and sustaining TAF, guided by a shared commitment to equity, community empowerment, and creative excellence.
Committee Members:
Maya Curtis, Gwendolyn Garth, Letitia Lopez, Deirdre McPherson, Vince Robinson, William Washington, and Gina Washington.
City Staff:
Rhonda K Brown (Senior Strategist, Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, City of Cleveland), Tarra Petras (Public Art Coordinator, City of Cleveland), Joyce Pan Huang (former Director of City Planning), Calley Mersman (Current Director of City Planning)
A tremendous thanks also goes to the appointed Transformative Arts Fund Committee for their dedication, discernment, and commitment to ensuring the integrity and impact of this groundbreaking initiative.
Maya Curtis, Grants Manager, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture
Vince Robinson, President & CEO, Larchmere Cultural
Gwen Garth, Founding Owner, Kings & Queens of Art and Art By Garth LLC
Letitia Lopez, Executive Director, Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center
Deidre McPherson, Chief Community Officer, Assembly for the Arts
Dr. Will, Founder, Washington Wellness Institute
Gina Washington, Artist/Educator/Entrepreneur Mateza Gallery
Tracking the Impact of the Transformative Arts Fund
Cleveland’s 2024–2025 Transformative Arts Fund projects are creating new capacity and opportunities for bold, artist-led visions that activate neighborhoods, spark connection, and celebrate community stories. From immersive theater and large-scale murals to monumental sculptures and multimedia installations, each project demonstrates the power of art to inspire, engage, and transform.
Beyond uplifting individual artists, the Transformative Arts Fund fuels a vibrant constellation of creative energy across the region. These ambitious, large-scale initiatives bring together artist teams, arts businesses, fabricators, designers, and Cleveland’s leading cultural institutions — strengthening the entire arts ecosystem and fostering long-term growth and resilience.
By investing in public art at this scale, TAF serves as a vital catalyst for community recovery, creative placemaking, and economic vibrancy throughout Cleveland and beyond. The fund sustains meaningful engagement, supports ongoing collaboration, and reinforces the city’s deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural excellence.
At the conclusion of the initiative, we will share a comprehensive report detailing TAF’s far-reaching impact — illuminating how these extraordinary projects have shaped Cleveland’s neighborhoods and set a powerful new standard for what is possible when artists lead.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our administrative and technical partners, Assembly for the Arts and LAND studio, and to the institutional partners whose commitment and support have been essential in bringing these visionary projects to life.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the Transformative Arts Fund application that still need to be answered or need additional help, please email transformativeartsfund@clevelandohio.gov.
For additional information: