Learn about the Transformative Arts Fund
Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Cleveland City Council, and the Transformative Arts Fund Committee are excited to grant nearly $3 million to seven local projects through the City’s Transformative Arts Fund (TAF). These artist-led public art projects will bring innovative, inclusive, and thought-provoking art to various Cleveland neighborhoods. Over 200 artists will collaborate with local institutions to inspire, foster dialogue, and drive social transformation. This marks a historic moment for Cleveland, celebrating the power of creativity within our community.
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Kumar Arora
Kumar Arora is a Cleveland-based entrepreneur, brand-builder, and creative strategist, renowned for his innovative approach to blending business with social impact.
With a diverse portfolio spanning multiple industries, Kumar has a proven track record of developing and scaling brands. As the lead artist of "For Art’s Sake," Kumar combines his passion for art, community development, and strategic thinking to create transformative projects that enrich Cleveland’s cultural landscape. -
Jordan Morales
Jordan Morales is a dedicated community advocate with a strong background in fostering connections between artists, organizations, and residents.
Known for his collaborative approach, Jordan has played a key role in bringing diverse voices together to create impactful projects that resonate with Cleveland’s unique culture. With a focus on inclusivity and engagement, Jordan works tirelessly to ensure that every activation reflects the vibrancy and spirit of the local community. -
Chelsea Pastel
Chelsea Pastel is a rapper, singer, and producer based out of Cleveland, OH. The rising talent gravitated to music at an early age and her passion for music was only further nurtured when she began attending the Cleveland School Of Arts. Since graduating from CSA, she has written music and continues to build her name throughout the Midwest. On her list of accomplishments, she is also a self-taught instrumentalist and produces most of the music that she performs.
Aside from being a new talent, the artist is known for her animated production style, catchy hooks, and captivating wordplay. Chelsea's music can be described as a genre blend of rap, pop, with a dash of rock, creating a fresh sound with an old school flair. Chelsea writes, produces, and engineers a vast majority of her music. She is currently finishing up her second project, Pastelevision.Description goes here
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Eric Vajda (E-V)
Eric Vajda is a talented DJ and music enthusiast who brings his passion for sound and storytelling to every project he touches. With years of experience in the music industry, Eric has cultivated a reputation for creating memorable experiences through his dynamic performances and deep understanding of diverse audiences.
His ability to connect with people through music has made him a staple in Cleveland’s creative scene. While contributing to "For Art’s Sake," Eric offers a unique perspective that blends artistry and audience engagement, helping to shape activations that resonate with the community on a cultural level. -
Glen Infante
Glen Infante is a highly respected Cleveland-based artist, known for his striking murals and innovative approach to digital art.
With a portfolio that spans both public art and private commissions, Glen’s work reflects his deep passion for storytelling and community connection. His vibrant and thought-provoking pieces have become landmarks, bringing color and inspiration to urban spaces. Glen’s commitment to fostering creativity makes him an integral part of Cleveland’s thriving art scene.
For Art’s Sake
20 + Years of Experience in Creative, Music, Arts, & Activations
200+ Public Art Projects & Events Completed through NE Ohio
25+ Featured Work seen in various Big Cities and Major Markets
3M+ Generated or raised for Art Initiatives
For Art’s Sake is not just an arts initiative—it is a call to action. It is a movement rooted in the belief that creativity is not ornamental, but essential. In Cleveland, a city rich with cultural heritage and artistic brilliance, this project dares to reimagine what it means to invest in the public good through the lens of art, equity, and opportunity.
Led by artist and creative entrepreneur Kumar Arora, For Art’s Sake activates the city’s streets, parks, and gathering spaces through powerful artist-led activations and workshops that blend public art with purpose-driven social practice. These activations tackle issues that matter—from Black maternal health to mental wellness—while simultaneously forging pathways for artists to build sustainable, visible careers in their own city.
But the deeper power of For Art’s Sake lies in its broader mission: to lay the foundation for a thriving creative economy in Cleveland—one that is not siloed within galleries or arts districts, but embedded in the city’s identity, infrastructure, and daily life. This is about more than murals; it is about systems.
It is about a Cleveland where artists are not peripheral, but integral. Where our sports teams, corporations, institutions, and major events don’t just sponsor the arts—they employ artists. Where living, working Cleveland creatives are called upon to shape the visual and experiential identity of the city. From designing public-facing campaigns to creating immersive experiences at stadiums and conferences, local artists become the storytellers of Cleveland’s brand, its soul, and its future.
By investing in local talent, For Art’s Sake offers a replicable model for cities seeking to bridge cultural expression with economic growth. It provides artists with entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and access to public platforms—all while building a talent pool that institutions and businesses can meaningfully engage. It transforms how we value and integrate creative labor—not as an afterthought, but as core infrastructure in civic and economic development.
In this vision of Cleveland, public space becomes a shared canvas, art becomes currency, and artists become catalysts of both beauty and change. Young creatives see themselves as civic changemakers. Neighborhoods are seen, heard, and uplifted. And a city that has always been full of creative genius finally aligns its policies, partnerships, and priorities to let that genius shine.
For Art’s Sake is laying bricks for something larger than a single project. It is helping to build a Cleveland where creativity is the cornerstone—not the garnish—of a just, joyful, and inclusive economy. A city where our cultural legacy and our economic future move forward together, hand in hand.
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Bridging the gap between technology, arts, and diversity, the FutureLAND Arts Afterparty is a vibrant celebration following a day of innovation and creativity. This event spotlights the intersection of tech and art, providing a space for artists, tech enthusiasts, and community members to connect, share, and explore the future of creativity in a diverse and inclusive setting.
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Celebrating diversity and inclusion, this event takes art to our City Hall, curating a space for diverse artists to showcase art across various mediums. This is an opportunity for diverse artists to collaborate with the city and a successful brand to find ways to highlight art while gaining access to a larger community of creatives.
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This project will transform a basketball court into a dynamic piece of art, enhancing the space with engaging designs that reflect the energy and spirit of the sport. This event aims to foster community pride and advocate the urgent needs and critical issues around Black Maternal Health.
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Positioned along the route of the Cleveland Marathon, this activation emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health through interactive art installations and performances. It's an opportunity to engage participants and spectators in a dialogue about well-being, resilience, and the collective journey of personal and community health.
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This unique activation combines the strategic depth of chess with the creative energy of art, inviting participants of all ages to engage in competition and camaraderie. It's an exploration of the parallels between the art of chess and the creativity of the human spirit, fostering a sense of community and intellectual growth.
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This activation brings together local artisans and small businesses in a dynamic makers market. It's a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship, and the rich tapestry of the local arts scene, offering a platform for artists and businesses to showcase their work while supporting a charitable cause.
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Details coming soon.
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As the culminating event of "For Art's Sake" , this festival is a grand celebration of arts and community. Featuring a wide array of performances, installations, and workshops, the festival is a testament to the collective creativity of Cleveland, showcasing the impact of the arts in building a more connected and vibrant community.
