Local Collaboration Wins Prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Grant

Local Collaboration Wins Prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Grant

LAND studio and Ingenuity joint project selected as one of 66 “Our Town” projects nationwide

(Cleveland, OH) – The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced today its new grantees for their Our Town Grant program. Among the winners are a Cleveland-based collaborative team lead by LAND studio and Ingenuity, with support from Positively Cleveland, and Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA). The groups have united behind Curb Appeal, a unique, year-long project combining public art projects with sustained programming along East Ninth Street in Downtown Cleveland beginning in spring 2015 through spring 2016. The $100,000 NEA grant will serve as a match against local grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations.

“This joint effort between LAND studio and Ingenuity demonstrates the best in creative community development and will have a valuable impact on its community,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Through Our Town funding, arts organizations continue to spark vitality that support neighborhoods and public spaces, enhancing a sense of place for residents and visitors alike.”

The collaborative behind Curb Appeal grew out of Positively Cleveland’s goal of improving the visitor experience in Cleveland. The group will work closely with the City of Cleveland to identify public spaces and private partners to help generate concepts and support for projects. The NEA grant also will enhance DCA’s Step Up Downtown program, which pinpoints public realm improvements and other initiatives to elevate the experience of those who live, work, and visit Downtown Cleveland.

“On behalf of all our partners in Curb Appeal, LAND studio is honored to receive the Our TownGrant from the NEA,” said Ann Zoller, Executive Director of LAND studio. “This generous support will provide a major catalyst for the project, helping connect public assets through engaging public spaces, and continue the renaissance in Downtown Cleveland.”

LAND studio will lead Curb Appeal’s public realm enhancements, developing a series of small interventions, both permanent and temporary, on East Ninth Street. These are expected to include artist and designer inspired elements such as seating, storefront displays, murals, lighting, and greenery. Ingenuity, a Cleveland-based organization committed to creating innovations within urban space, will program the streetspace and adjacent interior spaces with ayear-long mix of art exhibits, performances, talks, demonstrations, and installations carried out by local talent.

About LAND studio

LAND studio is a nonprofit that identifies, creates, and implements a public space vision in the city of Cleveland. The organization works towards a goal of transforming and revitalizing the city by filling it with vibrant places that unite, inspire, and enrich its people. To learn more visit www.land-studio.org.

About Ingenuity

Ingenuity highlights the creativity and innovation that make Cleveland a vibrant and exciting place to live, by igniting the creative spark where the arts, science, and technology intersect. By animating Cleveland’s urban spaces with world-class, innovative experiences, Ingenuity provides a unique platform for exploring the boundaries of arts, science, and technology, through our innovative outreach programs, creative partnerships and events, including our annual IngenuityFest.

Ingenuity is now entering its 10th season and is funded by the George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, The Cleveland Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council, as well as many other businesses, non-profits, and private individuals. The three-day IngenuityFest (September 26, 27, 28, 2014) creates a combined economic impact of $4.5 million to Cleveland’s economy every year. More information at www.ingenuitycleveland.com.

About Positively Cleveland

Positively Cleveland is Cleveland’s convention and visitors bureau. This private non-profit organization’s mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes nearly 16 million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.ThisisCleveland.com.

About Downtown Cleveland Alliance

Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a dynamic downtown. By working with property owners and neighborhood based partners, DCA is able to provide economic development opportunities, business attraction and retention efforts, the Clean & Safe Ambassador Program as well as strategic marketing initiatives for Downtown Cleveland. Please visit www.downtowncleveland.com for more information.