In July, Cleveland’s Transformative Arts Fund (TAF) grant program of nearly $3 million was awarded to seven local public art projects around the city, with more than 200 artists anticipated to work on these initiatives. Mayor Justin M. Bibb announced the program’s introduction backed by the American Rescue Plan allocations from the Biden-Harris administration in January. Artists underwent an application process, detailing the work progress, budgeting and institutional partner letter of commitment among other documentation. The chosen applicants have left their signature in the city. Most notably, “For Art’s Sake: Empowering Diverse Creatives, Our City & the Youth” by Kumar Arora in the University Circle and “All Our Babies: Birthing in the Afrofuture” by Jameelah Rahman in Fairfax among many others bring color, creativity and diversity to the city. This program marks Cleveland’s construction of a safe haven for artists and the greater community to discover hope in creativity.
As students at Case Western Reserve University, a hub for creativity and innovation, we sometimes overlook the true value art holds for communities of all types. It surrounds us. In some instances, there is buzz about the “incoherent” architectural art styles of the campus-scape, mixing the old with the new. Truth is, our campus wouldn’t be complete without it. For example, the 1981 piece called Back by Ira Matteson is a staple in the North Residential Village. The steel silhouette of a nude woman’s back, at first glance, portrays weakness. But, its steel body symbolizes strength in vulnerability and openness. Its location is fitting, standing as a message for rising college students to ponder on the values of vulnerability and discovery of oneself. On another side of campus, the Spitball is a geometrically angled metal monument. It is the second of three Tony Smith original works in 1961. In the eighties, it was valued at nearly $2.1 million in accountancy for inflation. Art doesn’t have a price, though. We economize art to give it value and meaning. We walk by this sculpture, gawk at it, criticize it, but we never take the time to learn its history or significance. That is the problem.
We have to be more mindful of our privilege. The next time you walk past an art structure on your way to class, appreciate its value and what it stands for. Even if you’re not a fan of the art piece, it’s important to remind ourselves that we have that privilege to do so.
The celebration of the TAF projects’ completion will be held Oct. 29, which is much needed to recognize the dedication of the artists and the city’s ability to put forth a meaningful initiative. We are living in a time while funding for individual artists is lacking. The Trump administration began by terminating National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants in May, cancelling over 150 awards totalling to approximately $4.5 million.
At CWRU, we are surrounded by art in a multitude of mediums. The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland and the Cleveland History Center are just a few art-centric institutions that surround our campus with free, unlimited access to students. It would almost be unwise to not take advantage of visiting these opportunities at some point in your college career while in Cleveland.
Art is meant to inspire its bystanders. It’s okay if not all art is for you, but by becoming more open-minded, finding your preferred artistic style won’t be difficult, and appreciation follows easily thereafter. Now, by no means do you have to be an art fanatic for this. But, the appreciation of art can facilitate creativity and provide grounding. And art should be appreciated more than ever as funding is hindered and art is undergoing censorship in museums and galleries. Celebrate our luxurious access to art on campus and beyond. Appreciate it before it’s too late.