Assembly for the Arts Selects Arts Leadership Residency Cohort

September 2022 by Malissa Bodmann

Read the press release on AssemblyCle.org
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26 participants represent individual artists, nonprofits and creative businesses
CLEVELAND, OHIO — Assembly for the Arts has named the first cohort of the Arts Leadership Residency in partnership with the Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC). The 26 participants reflect Assembly’s commitment to increase equity in the arts and culture sector. Of the 25 who responded, more than 70% identify as Black or African American, 68% are women, 12% are nonbinary, 16% live with a disability.

The program provides management support, coaching, and tools to artists, cultural nonprofits, and small- to mid-sized creative businesses. Expanding on the model of traditional artist residencies, the Arts Leadership Residency offers a $1,000 stipend and dedicated learning sessions to address a self-defined business goal or objective. Participants will have access to entrepreneurial expertise, mentorship from the CLC alumni network, and expertise of the other artists and small creative businesses participating in the program.

The Arts Leadership Residency begins September 2022 and runs through February 2023.
The artists selected for the program are:

• Amanda Dian King, Amanda D. King Studio
• Antwoine Washington, Museum of Creative Human Art
• Ashley Rowell, ATNSC
• Charde Young
• Charmaine Spencer
• Christina Keegan
• Cierra Rembert
• Denise Astorino, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
• Diana Chittester
• Diane M. Troyer
• Ephraim Abdullah, AfricaHouse International
• Erykah Townsend
• Gina Washington, The Visit Arts Collective and Mateza Gallery
• Jonathan Lee Thomas, FashionTV Network/Great Lakes TV
• Kierra McDade, Temple of Passions
• Maegen Holm
• Mary Kay Thomas, Rhythmic Artistry
• Kayli Salzano, Waterloo Arts
• Nicole  Hatcher, Foluke Cultural Arts Center, Inc
• Odin Blak, Dark Blak Studios
• Robin Robinson, Sankofa Fine Art Plus
• Samuel McIntosh, 10K Movement
• Talise Campbell, Djapo Cultural Arts Institute
• Tanya Kaiser, Kaiser Gallery
• Valerie Mayen, Yellowcake Shop
• Zuggie Tate, Black Space Inc.

“We are thrilled to launch this cohort to strengthen a talented and diverse group of artists through the Arts Leadership Residency, powered by Huntington and the Huntington Entrepreneur in Residence program,” said Jeremy Johnson, president and CEO of Assembly for the Arts. “These artists, nonprofits and creative businesses are already impactful in their work, but the coaching with an equity lens from Cleveland Leadership Center will help take their work to the next level. The program was designed to help artists, especially artists of color, break down barriers to success through access to business resources, networking and dedicated time. ”

Assembly received support from the Entrepreneur In Residence Powered by Huntington and The George Gund Foundation for the development of this program. The George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation and the ArtsNEXT program of the Ohio Arts Council provided additional support to the Arts Leadership Residency

ABOUT
Assembly for the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a focus on advocacy, cultural policy, racial equity initiatives, research, marketing that elevates the region, and services for nonprofits, artists, and creative businesses. It is governed by a volunteer board with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Assembly by design operates in close partnership with Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, a government agency and Assembly for Action, a 501(c)4 political action nonprofit to serve the entire creative sector. Assembly is supported through major funding from: The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Ohio Arts Council, Huntington, KeyBank, The George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation, Fred & Laura Beth Bidwell, and Barbara S. Robinson. www.assemblycle.org

Cleveland Leadership Center (CLC) provides collaborative leadership training, civic education and connections to leaders of all ages, empowering them to identify and take action on issues that resonate with them and positioning them to become change agents in the community. www.cleveleads.org

Entrepreneur in Residence powered by Huntington https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huntington-bank-and-city-of-cleveland-announce-entrepreneurship-program-to-help-regions-small-businesses-grow-301468659.html