Transformative Arts Fund (TAF)

About TAF

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.

Right now, a vibrant collection of artist-led projects is unfolding throughout Cleveland, with the program running through September 30, 2025. These initiatives showcase inclusive, community-driven public art designed to inspire, foster conversation, and drive meaningful social change.

Explore TAF-Funded Public Art Projects

Use the map below to find where inspiration meets impact—each pin marks a TAF project location across Cleveland. This interactive tool invites you to engage with artist-led, community-centered public art initiatives that ignite dialogue, celebrate diversity, and activate social change. Click a marker to learn more about the artist, institutional partner, and vision behind each project.

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.