Cuyahoga Arts & Culture

Cuyahoga Arts and Culture's 2027 Project Support grant applications are now open! CAC invites nonprofit organizations producing, presenting, or creating arts and cultural programs in Cuyahoga County to apply by the June 25, 2026 deadline. Learn more about the Project Support grant and upcoming application workshops: https://www.cacgrants.org/apply/

Guidelines for CAC's 2027 grantmaking are available for public comment through March 6. This public feedback period is an important part of our process, and we invite you to learn more: https://www.cacgrants.org/news/2027-grant-guidelines-available-for-public-comment/

In November, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture approved $12.9 million in grants to more than 300 organizations for 2026. Among the 300-plus operating and project support grants awarded by CAC are efforts that provide much-needed guidance to female filmmakers, subsidize lodging for musicians, and honor local Tuskegee Airmen.

Meet some of our first-time grantees and read more from FreshWater Cleveland:

New year, new you: Cuyahoga Arts & Culture grantees excited to expand reach in 2026 Cuyahoga Arts & Culture in November approved $12.9 million in grants to more than 300 organizations for 2026, supporting both major cultural institutions and smaller nonprofits across Northeast Ohio.

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture is pleased to announce $12.9 million in grants to more than 300 Cuyahoga County nonprofits of all sizes in 2026. Congratulations to our 2026 grant recipients! Read more: https://www.cacgrants.org/news/cuyahoga-arts-culture-awards-129-million-in-grants-to-more-than-300-organizations-to-support-a-thriving-arts-culture-community/

📷: Top row: Piano Cleveland, photo by Gregory Wilson; Frontline Service
Bottom row: North Pointe Ballet, photo by Bernadette Benda; BorderLight, photo by Steve Wagner; Lake Erie Nature and Science Center

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Dobama Theatre is dedicated to premiering important new plays by established and emerging playwrights in professional productions of the highest quality. Through theatrical production, community engagement, and education programming, Dobama nurtures the development of theatre artists and builds new audiences for the arts while provoking an examination of our contemporary world. You can learn more about their upcoming season at dobama.org.

📷: Dobama Theatre

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Waterloo Arts was founded in 2003 by residents and artists living in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland who saw an opportunity to bring neighbors together and provide a place for artists to show work and engage with the public.

In 2025, CAC supported their annual Waterloo Arts Fest in September, with seven stages of local music, over 100 maker booths, and many interactive art activities for all ages. You can learn more at canalwaypartners.com.

📷: Jody Friend

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: The mission of Canalway Partners is to preserve the natural and cultural experiences of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area for the future by serving as a catalyst for projects and programs that connect people to place for the prosperity of all. Canalway hosts a number of events that utilize visual arts, music & history tours to engage the public with free programming.

In 2025, CAC supported their annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade, which is vibrant event celebrating creativity, light and sustainability along the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The parade features original art lanterns made from upcycled materials created by local artists at the public. You can learn more at canalwaypartners.com.

📷: Nathan Stroempl

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: The Dancing Wheels Company is an organization of artists with and without disabilities that educates, entertains, and advocates through inclusive dance. Since its inception 44 years ago, Dancing Wheels' compelling performances and educational outreach programming have conveyed the philosophy of inclusive arts and reached audiences of over 5 million people worldwide. You can learn more about their classes and events at dancingwheels.org.

📷: Mark Horning

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Performing on historical instruments, Apollo's Fire Baroque Orchestra brings to life the music of the past for audiences of today. Apollo’s Fire performs approximately 40 concerts per year in multiple venues around Northeast Ohio and is internationally recognized for both artistic excellence and community impact. You can learn more about upcoming performances at apollosfire.org.

📷: Malcolm Henoch

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens offers a glimpse of history and insight into the lifestyles of early Ohio settlers and travelers. Once a stagecoach stop on the Buffalo-Cleveland-Detroit post road, the 1824 home of Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham is the oldest building still standing on its original site in the city of Cleveland. You can learn more and plan a visit at dunhamtavern.org.

📷: Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT: Through art and music, India Fest USA aspires to give their community a way to feel connected to their roots, and also provide a platform to the Ohio community at large to understand South Asian culture.

This year, CAC supported their annual “You’ve Got Talent” show in September. You can learn more about India Fest USA at indiafestivalusa.org.

📷: India Fest USA