Arts + Culture Caucus
The Arts + Culture Caucus is a multi-jurisdictional group of elected and appointed officials. It includes Cuyahoga and surrounding Northeast Ohio counties. Participants are unified by their shared interest in supporting and creating arts and cultural policy.
The Arts + Culture Caucus serves as a vehicle for public officials to connect with like-minded peers and the arts and culture community. Members examine existing policies, access sample models of legislation and work to craft and advance policies that further support and embed arts and culture into the fabric of our region. In addition to providing the group with relevant and credible information, Arts Cleveland facilitates communication between Arts + Culture Caucus members and the Arts Advocates grassroots group. The work in parallel to review and discuss community-identified policy issues directly affecting the field.
Members of the Caucus
Public Officials opt-in to the group by contacting Arts Cleveland. Members receive and respond to regular communication about arts and culture as it relates to public policy. Arts Cleveland facilitates two Caucus Sessions per year.
Senator Nickie Antonio, The Ohio State Senate, District 23
Ms. Jeri Chaikin, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Shaker Heights
Councilman Kevin Conwell, City of Cleveland, Ward 9
Councilwoman Mary Dunbar, City of Cleveland Heights, Ward 2
Mayor Robert Fiala, City of Willoughby
Councilman Marty Gelfand, South Euclid
Council President Ron Jackson, City of Maple Heights, Ward 4
Mayor William B. Judge, City of Barberton
Councilman Jud Kline, Orange Village
Mayor Stanley Koci, City of Bedford
Councilman Richard Leskovec, City of Pepper Pike
Council President Lillian Moore, Village of Highland Hills
Councilman Joseph Saponaro, Mayfield Village
Representative Kent Smith, The Ohio House of Representatives, 8th District
Councilwoman Gigi Traore, Village of Newburgh Heights
Councilman Matthew Zone, City of Cleveland, Ward 15
According to this list there are no representatives from the city of Cleveland. Will there be any officials from the city of Cleveland? Or anyone to represent Cleveland at this caucus?
As of today, the list only includes public officials who opt’ed-in at the Public Officials Recognition Breakfast. We haven’t yet done targeted outreach, and we will absolutely be reaching out to Cleveland City Council and many other places in the next few months. We’ll discuss this a bit more at the Arts Advocates meeting on September 5.
I have worked with many of the elected officials noted here over many years as a leader in the Democratic Party.
As a community leader/ activist in the Arts Community and political arena, as well as a fine artist, I would love to help coordinate the Arts Caucus… it’s a natural fit for me!!!
Thank you for chiming in Sandi! We hope you can join us for the Arts Advocates meeting on September 5. We’ll talk about it then. https://secure.artscleveland.org/event.jsp?event=194&