Collinwood Rising - December

Our December question from ArtPlace was recently responded to. Check out our response below (and our new website welcometocollinwood.com)

Question:

What has been the thorniest issue you've faced to date?  How have you dealt with it?

Brian:  The thorniest issue we have been facing is getting additional site control while also managing increased interest from for-profit developers.  Northeast Shores acts as a developer of last resort, rehabilitating abandoned housing and acquiring parcels of vacant land for new construction. Our mission is to provide artists and other potential residents with affordable rental units, the opportunity to own their own homes, and an avenue to contribute to an increased level of neighborhood investment, pride and stability. We’re the lead provider of housing in North Shore Collinwood and we’ve successfully worked with a wide range of individuals from first-time homebuyers to empty nesters.  Over the last 10 years, our activities have resulted in over $42 million in neighborhood investment. Northeast Shores has substantially rehabbed over 125 existing homes and built over 60 new homes in our 15 year existence. As a result of our success, we’ve been introduced to another issue. Because artists are at the core of our marketing efforts, they have historically made up a significant portion of our home buyers. Over the past few years, however, general demand for our homes has substantially increased. Qualified non-artists are increasingly expressing interest in our homes. The supply of vacant houses on which we work is staying relatively small, while demand is increasing.

Because of this, it is becoming more difficult to make sure artists are having access to this opportunity. Similarly, demands for commercial spaces in our neighborhood have increased significantly, particularly in our Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District. Artists are now seeking a shrinking supply of commercial space opposite other potential tenants and owners, including a number of restaurant tenants seeking to open in 2013 such as Alan Glazen’s Project Light Switch.  The remaining commercial vacancies are often the ones that require the greatest degree of rehab investment, with many requiring major improvements to electrical, plumbing as well as heating and cooling systems. To justify the costs of these expenditures, Northeast Shores needs tenants and owners with robust, sustainable business plans. The non-commercial nature of many artists’ work means that it can be more difficult to provide them ownership opportunities.

Despite these challenges and our current endeavors in the neighborhood, we are continuously planning for the community's future. Northeast Shores remains more committed than ever to providing artists with pathways to space ownership. We’ve launched a $150,000 small loan pool to help artists finance art space that’s not traditionally easy to finance through residential and commercial mortgages. We’ve also launched a $125,000 grant program that provides artists with funds to support their community art projects, both as a way to address community priorities through the arts and as a way to provide artists with a direct revenue stream for the work that they want to do. Through ArtPlace’s investment, we’re able to justify holding a number of properties that we are developing specifically for artists.

Candy Cane Cruise This Friday

Thank you to the Plain Dealer for covering the East 185th Candy Cane Cruise this Friday.

The link is here:
http://www.cleveland.com/automotive/plaindealer/index.ssf/2012/11/candy_cane_cruise_returns_to_east_185th_street.html

Here is the story:

Candy Cane Cruise returns to East 185th Street

Published: Thursday, November 29, 2012, 5:00 AM     Updated: Thursday, November 29, 2012, 5:02 AM

 By Terry Troy 

It’s that time of year again. If you like car cruises and are unafraid of a little nip in the air, you may want to head out to East 185th Street next Friday.
Convertibles and Jeeps are invited to take their tops down on Friday, December 7, to combine the joy of a neighborhood car cruise with the joy of the holiday season at the annual Candy Cane Cruise on East 185th Street. 
Conceived as a “modern sleigh ride,” this unique celebration fills East 185th Street with the spirit of the season. Local businesses and retailers that comprise the economic heart and soul of the neighborhood add to the festivities with treats, specials and entertainment. Northeast Shores Development Corp. has sponsored the event on East 185th Street since 2010.
“The Candy Cane Cruise is a great time for everybody,” said Denise Lorek, community organizer for Northeast Shores Development Corp. “We love seeing the variety of participants who come to cruise the neighborhood and explore East 185th Street. There are cars full of kids, cars with pets, vintage cars, contemporary convertibles, and even ‘honorary’ convertibles where ordinary cars cruise with windows down and sunroofs open.”
The Candy Cane Cruise tradition was born in Cleveland in 2008 with the Candy Cane Cruise on Clifton Boulevard. 
“Cleveland is such a great car town and there are Jeeps and convertibles on the road year-round,” said Dominic Bonacci, founder of the Candy Cane Cruise. “We’re simply providing an opportunity to come out from under those tops to enjoy the seasonal decoration and atmosphere.” 
The Candy Cane Cruise begins at 5 p.m. and is free for spectators who want to view the vehicles as they drive along East 185th Street between Lakeshore Boulevard and Interstate 90. Spectators can also enjoy the many specials that are being offered by neighborhood merchants.
No streets will be closed for the event.
Registration for convertible, Jeep and other vehicle drivers is $5 per vehicle and can be made by calling (216) 481-7660 or visiting www.candycanecruise.com/e185.

Collinwood Rising - November

We recently had an interview with ArtPlace recently occurred and here is what was said:


Have you gained any political traction with your efforts? If so, with whom and how did you do it?

Luckily, we already have a great deal of political traction, and we’re constantly gaining momentum on that front. Collinwood Rising grew out of a HUD-funded strategic planning effort that was carried out in 16 target areas throughout the city of Cleveland, all examining how vacant properties could be converted into community assets. In the Collinwood neighborhood, this planning process focused heavily on art interventions. Local government agencies, including the Cleveland Department of Economic Development, the Cleveland Department of Community Development, the Cleveland Land Bank and the Cuyahoga Land Bank, have been tremendously supportive of Northeast Shores' efforts and have been helping the organization as it moves forward with Collinwood Rising. Perhaps no one has been a more supportive champion for the program than our neighborhood’s primary local representative, Councilman Michael Polensek, who has been one of the city's most integral and outspoken advocates of aggressive intervention in neighborhood vacancy. Councilman Polensek understands the value of putting vacant property back into productive use and using it as an opportunity to reimagine our community as an even better place to live, work, and visit.

Have you gained traction with any other leaders in your community? How? 

Northeast Shores has engaged and partnered with local stakeholders, residents and community leaders over the years that have collectively assisted with our progress in reaching goals around neighborhood revitalization efforts. Sometimes this support comes from nonprofit partners like Neighborhood Progress, Inc., a tremendous community development service organization that is laying citywide groundwork for strategic neighborhood-level investments like Collinwood Rising. Sometimes this support comes from individual community leaders.  Recently, for instance, we’ve been fortunate to work with local restauranteur Alan Glazen. Alan has launched Project Light Switch, an initiative to bring several restaurants online in our arts district in 2013, at least partially in response to the major arts investments being made in the neighborhood.

With support from local officials and other local leaders, we’re poised for tremendous success, but none of our advancements would be possible without our grassroots neighborhood leaders … The residents and workers whose passion for the neighborhood makes our work possible. Existing Block Watch groups and participants continuously help to make and keep North Collinwood safe and walkable, while community stakeholders and committees have played a tremendous role in assisting with planning the aesthetics of the neighborhood, including our Waterloo Streetscape Plan. Our goals would not have been met without the skills, expertise and continuous dedication of these people. Their contributions have definitely made a difference within the community. More individuals are beginning to take notice, take pride and are contributing and doing their part to help us paint the picture of what Collinwood can truly be artistically.

Candy Cane Cruise Comes Back

Convertibles and Jeeps are invited take their tops down Friday, December 7, to combine the joy of a neighborhood car cruise with the joy of the holiday season in the annual Candy Cane Cruise on East 185^th Street. Friday, Dec. 7.

Conceived as a “modern sleigh ride,” this unique celebration fills the stretch of Cleveland’s venerable East 185th Street with the spirit of the season. Local businesses and retailers that comprise the economic heart and soul of the neighborhood add to the festivities with treats, specials and entertainment. 

Northeast Shores Development Corp. has sponsored the event on East 185^th Street since 2010.  Denise Lorek, community organizer for the group, says, “The Candy Cane Cruise is a great time for everybody. We love the seeing the variety of participants who come to cruise the neighborhood and explore East 185^th Street. There are cars full of kids, cars with pets, vintage cars, contemporary convertibles and even ‘honorary’ convertibles where ordinary cars cruise with windows down and sunroofs open.”

The Candy Cane Cruise tradition was born in Cleveland in 2008 with the Candy Cane Cruise on Clifton Boulevard. Candy Cane Cruise Founder Dominic Bonacci says, “Cleveland is such a great car town and there are Jeeps and convertibles on the road year-round. We’re simply providing an opportunity to come out from under those tops to enjoy the seasonal decoration and atmosphere.” 

The Candy Cane Cruise begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and is free for spectators who want to view the vehicles along East 185^th Street between Lakeshore Boulevard and Interstate 90 as well as enjoy the many specials being offered by neighborhood merchants.

No streets will be closed for the event.

Registration for convertibles, Jeep and other vehicle drivers is $5 per vehicle and can be made by calling (216) 481-7660 or visiting www.candycanecruise.com/e185.

For all the details, visit www.candycanecruise.com.

Want to see previous years’ cruises? High-res photos are available at http://www.candycanecruise.com/photos/highrez. 

Welcome to Collinwood Launches

We thought you would all like to hear that our Welcome to Collinwood website is officially launched: www.welcometocollinwood.com! This will be a place where we can show off the various offerings to artists in the neighborhood and feature what artists are already doing in our community. It’s also a place where people can make donations to support the program and send us questions about our initiatives. 

Artists in Residence Grants Announced

Welcome to the Artists in Residence grants program, brought to you by Northeast Shores and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture. Through this exciting new program, we're giving artists who live and work in North Shore Collinwood an opportunity to propose creative solutions to some of the issues the community cares about the most.

winter 2013 projects

Neil Chastain's Collinwood sound project

Neil will lead a series of workshops for youth designed to engage young people in composing, creating, performing and recording original music pieces. One of the main desired goals is for participants to create a Collinwood sound compilation that they will then market and distribute.

Ray McNiece's North Collinwood Stories – An Intergenerational Story Circle

Ray will mentor students from Villa-Angela-St. Joseph’s School Honors English Program as they interview and transcribe the stories of elderly residents in the Waterloo area. The project will culminate in an intergenerational story sharing at the Collinwood Arts Café. 

Lou Ross's Wheels on Waterloo

Lou will oversee development of a public sculpture for placement opposite the 2013 Waterloo streetscape project. The sculpture will reflect the neighborhood’s rich history of transportation and manufacturing, with wheels representing the movement of time, where we have been, are now and where we are going in the future.

Jerry Schmidt's metalworking instruction

Jerry will instruct teenagers about metalworking, using various welding techniques learned in the studio classroom. Basic mathematics, reading a tape measure and preliminary design sketching will also be taught. They will apprentice Jerry as he completes art pieces and utilitarian projects for Collinwood area merchants.

R.A. Washington's North Collinwood Youth Choir and Performance Ensemble

R.A. will engage North Collinwood teenagers in a series of workshops to form a performance group. He will teach the ensemble the basics of performance poetry, musical theatre and songwriting and will work with them to create new arrangements for a songbook of historic songs.

Doug Wood's Music Education Series

Doug will continue his music program with a series of five 1-hour classes for children ages 6 – 9. The classes will take place weekends this winter, each with different guest performers from different genres of music. As curator of the class, Doug will help the artists share their music and engage in a question and answer session with the children.

Linda Zolten Wood's Rain Barrel Art Auction

Linda will organize a juried competition for neighborhood artists to document neighborhood history on rain barrels. The top 10 will be selected, and the artists will be paid $500 each to paint them. Finished rain barrels will be displayed in highly visible locations throughout the neighborhood. 

The members of the panel that made the final grant recommendations were neighborhood residents Amy Shoff, Jim Tomaszewski and Pat Harrison, assisted by Colleen Gilson of Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition and theatre artist Peter Lawson Jones.

Collinwood Rising Documentary - Part One

Northeast Shores is video documenting our efforts over the next year. The first part of this multiple piece series is now on-line and available for your viewing. Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D6PiO4ErNk

New East 185th Street Market Study

As part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the growth and development of the Northeast Shore Collinwood neighborhood in Cleveland, Northeast Shores Development Corporation commissioned DiSalvo Development Advisors, LLC to conduct a Retail Market Analysis of the East 185th street retail district.  The East 185th Street business district runs along East 185th Street from Lakeshore Boulevard to the Interstate 90 exit ramp. The study identifies a number of potential areas for growth and market driven (re)development. There is a sizable, and currently under-served, audience of daytime employees in the district (including employees of Euclid Hospital, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Villa Angela St Joseph High School) and local Cleveland and Euclid residents. Northeast Shores Development Corporation is seeking entrepreneurs interested in taking advantage of these opportunities in the well situated East 185^th retail district.

Based on DiSalvo Development Advisors' (DDA) data collection, in-person interviews, analysis of demographics, consumer spending patterns, retail sales and an assessment of the characteristics of East 185th Street District, they have determined that a market exists for additional restaurants on East 185th Street. Restaurants would also serve as the catalyst for further growth. Under-represented retail businesses in the shopping district include pet stores, apparel and accessories, specialty food, office supplies, books/music and business services. The study points out that traffic patterns on East 185^th Street remain strong and home prices have stabilized.  The analysis also points out the vacancy rate of three significant properties accounts for 43% of the vacant ground floor space on East 185^th Street.  Several strengths the district offers include recent infrastructure investment of several banks and that grocery services adequately accommodate consumer demand. 

The in depth Retail Market Analysis created by DiSlavo Development Advisors is available for view on Northeast Shores Development Corporation's web site or available by request for current and potential business or property owners. Check it out at:

http://northeastshores.org/userfiles/file/initiatives/E%20185th%20Street%20Final%20Report.pdf

Northeast Shores is excited to have this in-depth study available that can help developers and entrepreneurs find their niche on East 185th St. For more information about East 185th Street please visit: http://northeastshores.org.

Northeast Shores Development Corporation is a non-profit organization that helps entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to market and increases home ownership in the North Shores Collinwood neighborhood. Over the last 10 years, their activities have resulted in over $42 million in neighborhood investment.

East 185th Street is conveniently located right off I-90. A great spot for lunch or dinner with friends and family, East 185th Street is less than 15 minutes from Downtown Cleveland. With unique shopping, delicious food, and top-quality service from local and national merchants, East 185th Street is the secret jewel of Cleveland’s eastern edge between the Cleveland and Euclid border.

Watch the Collinwood Recreation Center Happen!

The Collinwood Recreation Center is nearly one year old! As a celebration of that achievement, we have uploaded a photographic review of the construction process. Please find that video at the following link and let's all be thankful that this new recreational opportunity exists in this great neighborhood.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtT0X4qEb1o

Collinwood Rising - September

Collinwood Rising is a collaborative effort to transform North Shore Collinwood, a neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland, by activating the growing grassroots art movement taking place in the community. The initiative aims to combat urban vacancy through art interventions, including converting vacant spaces into an artist-inspired playground, a performing arts incubator and artist live/work space and commercial storefronts.

Northeast Shores Development Corporation is leading this multi-organization initiative. ArtPlace spoke with Brian Friedman to discuss how the Collinwood Rising placemaking initiative is changing the way Northeast Shores does business.

Brian: Is there a new challenge that engaging in creative placemaking presents for you, your organization and the artists who work with you? Are there new skills required?

For us, Collinwood Rising is a remarkable experiment in collaboration. Throughout our organization’s history, Northeast Shores has engaged in strategic partnerships with peer organizations and with our residents and workers, a process that has been fluid and organic and central to our mission. With Collinwood Rising, we are expanding those partnerships in a short timeframe, and we believe the stakes for success are very high.

ArtPlace’s generosity in funding Collinwood Rising is providing us with an opportunity to take our collaborative efforts to a new level, with more partners engaged in more revitalization efforts and with even more opportunity for everyday individuals to leave their creative mark on the neighborhood. The funding has provided us with a unique opportunity to not only invest in bricks-and-mortar projects but to empower residents and workers to play a bigger and more direct role in directing the course of the neighborhood. We feel a very strong sense of responsibility to do this well … and to do it quickly. 

While this process has been both interesting and rewarding, the formalization and cultivation of meaningful collaborative efforts is also a time-consuming effort. Our organization wants to nourish relationships and make them meaningful for all participants in the project, whether those partners are helping us imagine what an artist-inspired playground might include or what type of pop-up activities will have the biggest benefit for our local businesses. We want people to feel like their voices are being heard. We want to encourage hundreds of people to increase their level of investment, pride and passion for the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. This is not a process that can be rushed. At the same time, we need to deliver results quickly so that we create a sense of real possibility around the initiative.

As a result of receiving the ArtPlace award, there has also been an unexpected and welcomed increase in private interest in our community, including from a prominent local restauranteur who is exploring opening approximately 5 restaurants concurrently in our arts district in 2013. All of this investment has been incredible for our community, but it also contributes to our already aggressive calendar. Lending our support to nurture private interests, while simultaneously implementing ArtPlace, while also maintaining and expanding our ongoing efforts to revitalize vacant housing and storefronts, makes for busy days … which could become a challenge for our staff and for our partners without a great deal of care.

But what a problem to have! For “Rust Belt” neighborhoods like ours, the idea of “too much” investment, “too much” excitement around the potential here – that is an incredible turn-around that speaks to the promise of the entire Great Lakes region. While we may need to adjust to new expectations and a new list of deliverables, the potential rewards are incredibly great.

Help us get a better picture

It’s research time again! We are conducting a survey to get a better sense of your experiences in North Shore Collinwood so that we can focus our efforts on the issues that people care about most here. Your responses will help us to make the neighborhood an even better place to live, work and visit.

Two lucky respondents will also receive a $25 gift certificate to a neighborhood business. So take a moment to fill out the survey – it’s easy. Visit us online at  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Collinwood, or pick up a paper copy at the Northeast Shores office (317 East 156^th Street). Thanks for your participation!

Euclid Beach Blast Round-up

Here is a write up from Stephen Love about how the recent 2012 Euclid Beach Blast went!

Euclid Beach Blast 2012 was a great success!  We jammed and danced to live music from the Hesitations, Del Rio Bandits and Son Gitano, chowed down on some great eats from B&M Barbeque, Fired Up Taco Truck, TD's Hot Dogs & Hoagies and got our sweet fix with a scoop or two of East Coast Custard. As if great music and food weren't enough, we built trash mobiles at the Beachcraft table, played with pool noodles and water blobs in the old Euclid Beach fountain, got our faces painted and chalked up just about every inch of concrete! But it wasn't just all fun and games, we also learned a thing or two about beach and water quality, reducing waste, how to become Urban Beach Ambassadors at Euclid Beach and provided input about various redesign plans for the park.

We could not have had such a great event without the help of many dedicated volunteers and artists who spent hours in the hot sun on Saturday keeping everything cool! Thank you to all of our volunteers, artists and workshop participants!  A very special thankyou to all of our Kickstarter supporters who pulled through to reach our $2700 funding goal! Finally, thank you to all of our community partners - Arts Collinwood, Project Pop Up Galleries, Northeast Shores and Councilman Polensek to mention just a few, who help make Euclid Beach Blast what is soon becoming North Collinwood's premiere event on the Lake! Let's show the entire region what a great lakefront asset we have right in our community! Visit www.euclidbeachblast.com to see and share photos and videos of all the fun! We are already looking forward to a bigger and better Euclid Beach Blast next summer!

Lecustrine Project Launches

Euclid Creek is a Lake Erie tributary that is heavily urbanized and affected by urban runoff and habitat degradation. The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District has received a $1,396,050 grant from the U.S. EPA through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to conduct the Lacustrine Refuge in the Cuyahoga AOC project. Design and engineering work was completed in 2012 and construction is scheduled to begin summer of 2012 with a 3-4 month construction time frame.

See the following websites for project details, public meeting notices, and updates:. www.cuyahogaswcd.org/EuclidCreekFiles/EuclidCreekthehomepage.htm or greatlakesrestoration.us

Project Benefits and Outcomes
Ecological restoration of the Lower Euclid has been awarded to a Northeast Ohio design-build team called RiverWorks (EnviroScience, Inc. GPD Group and RiverReach Construction). Collaboration between a technical advisory committee and the RiverWorks team will aim to create the following positive changes for Euclid Creek:

• Restore important coastal and lacustrine wetlands;
• Restore Euclid Creek to its natural, historic alignment;
• Increase overall ecological function of Lower Euclid Creek;
• Increase fish habitat and spawning of recreational species;
• Improved fishing and recreation for the community;
• Increased habitat for birds and amphibians;
• Address bank erosion within the park;
• Control and manage pervasive invasive plant species;
• Provide opportunities for environmental education and public involvement;
• Assist Euclid Creek in reaching State of Ohio water quality attainment standards;
• Aid in delisting Cuyahoga River AOC (Area of Concern); and,
• Economic impact of $2.4 million (double the project cost).

Construction Schedule: to start in August 2012 and last 3-4 months depending on weather conditions, with potential plantings in Spring 2013

Project Area and Flooding: While this Great Lakes restoration project is not a flood control project, it went through an intensive review from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hydraulic division for the proposed modification to the 1980’s diversion channel that created the oxbow condition (i.e. what is considered the main channel of Euclid Creek today). Since our project is within this Army Corps regulated flood control channel, the project underwent a similar level of scrutiny and review. The Army Corps has approved the proposed changes to the area based on rigorous hydraulic studies, flood elevations and evaluation of risk. This restoration project does not increase flood elevations that exist today. The removal of a majority of the island sediment for wetlands and an increase in stream width and capacity at the mouth of the oxbow area actually improves current conditions, while meeting the habitat restoration goals of the project. The modified diversion channel will not be removed entirely but will exist as an overflow conveyance channel similar to its original intention when floodwaters reach a certain height.

Contact Information During Construction:

General Project Information: Contact Project Grant Manager Claire Posius, Euclid Creek Watershed Coordinator, Cuyahoga SWCD- 216-524-6580 x16 or email cposius@cuyahogaswcd.org

Emergency Contact: ODNR-Cleveland Lakefront State Park Office: 8:30am-4:30pm – 216-881-8141

ODNR-CLSP Park Officer Call In Line: 216-701-3989

Cleveland Fifth District Police: 216-623-5500

Nuisance / Displaced Wildlife - for issues with stray cats/dogs, skunks, groundhogs,

NHS and Northeast Shores have a roofing program for you!

NHS of Greater Cleveland, in the past two years, has secured a total of $465,000 from NeighborWorks® America, of rehabilitation capital for flexible reinvestment in 2 neighborhoods in the City of Cleveland.  While a grantee of citywide funds from the City of Cleveland to deliver programs and services for achieving, preserving and sustaining homeownership, these one-time funds restricted specifically for rehabilitation, are an example of leveraging NHSGC’s national affiliation with NeighborWorks® America for the betterment of the City of Cleveland.

These two programs, the Westown CDC Variety Village Loan Program and the Northeast Shores Development Corporation’s Cover Your Assets Program will have significant impact on each CDC’s specific service area.

• ·         Variety Village Loan Program provides up to $10,000 for interior and exterior repairs in a defined service area.  These funds are 0%, deferred and due on sale or transfer.  This program is in completion mode.

• ·         The Northeast Shores Cover Your Assets Program provide up to $10,000 for roof repair or replacement (covering your home or asset) in a defined service area.  These funds are 0%, deferred and due on sale or transfer.  This program is up and running now.

NHS of Greater Cleveland is a HUD approved counseling agency, a SAFE Act compliant, licensed lender, and an adopter of National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling as well as a lot other good things.

Want to know more about Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland?  Visit our website at www.nhscleveland.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nhsgc.

Artists in Residence Grants Round Two

The application form and guidelines are now available for the second round of the Artists in Residence grants. musicians, writers, photographers and other artists can submit applications for projects that address 1 of 4 priorities: telling the story of neighborhood residents, raising the visibility of neighborhood assets or addressing public safety or youth engagement. We’ll be distributing $45,000 in this round, with awards of up to $7,500 per projectYou must live in North Shore Collinwood or work at least 15 hours a week in the neighborhood.

To apply: Submit an application for the program to the Northeast Shores office (317 East 156th Street) by the deadline – Friday, August 17, at 4:00 p.m. You can access the application online at www.cultureforward.org/Our-Programs/Residence/Grants, or pick up a paper copy from the Northeast Shores office.

Before submitting your application, check out the program guidelines (www.cultureforward.org/Our-Programs/Residence/Grants). They’ll give you additional information about the program, plus tips for making a competitive proposal.

You might also want to come to a workshop where you can see examples of community projects from around the country, learn more about the program and ask any questions you have. We have two coming up next week, both at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home (15335 Waterloo Road) … one Tuesday, July 24th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3948586328) and one Thursday, July 26 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3949428848). Both events are free, but please RSVP at the links provided so we know how many people are coming.

If you have any questions while you’re working on your application, we’re always happy to chat! You can e-mail me at sbeattie@northeastshores.org, or feel free to call 216.481.7660.

Artists in Residence Update

Hi all,

The application and guidelines for the second round of the Artists in Residence grants are now available. If there are community groups, merchants, tenants, etc. who you think might be interested in the program, please forward information on to them. I'm including an update that I sent to our neighborhood artist list below ... Feel free to copy and paste the top two sections to share news about the grants program. Thanks guys!

***

n  Round 2 of the Artists in Residence Grants: The application form and guidelines are now available for the second round of the Artists in Residence grants. The program gives musicians, writers, photographers and other artists who live or work in North Shore Collinwood the opportunity to carry out community art projects in the neighborhood. Artists can submit applications for art projects that address 1 of 4 priorities identified by neighborhood stakeholders: telling the story of neighborhood residents, raising the visibility of neighborhood assets or addressing public safety or youth engagement. We’ll be distributing $45,000 in this round, with awards of up to $7,500 per project. If you’re an artist living in North Shore Collinwood or working at least 15 hours a week in the neighborhood, and you’d like to make a difference in the community, this program’s for you! Here’s how to apply:

o   Submit an application for the program to the Northeast Shores office (317 East 156^th Street) by the deadline – Friday, August 17, at 4:00 p.m. You can access the application online at www.cultureforward.org/Our-Programs/Residence/Grants, or pick up a paper copy from the Northeast Shores office.

o   Before submitting your application, check out the program guidelines (www.cultureforward.org/Our-Programs/Residence/Grants). They’ll give you additional information about the program, plus tips for making a competitive proposal.

o   You might also want to come to a workshop where you can see examples of community projects from around the country, learn more about the program and ask any questions you have. We have two coming up next week, both at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home (15335 Waterloo Road) … one Tuesday, July 24^th from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3948586328) and one Thursday, July 26 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3949428848). Both events are free, but please RSVP at the links provided so we know how many people are coming.

o   If you have any questions while you’re working on your application, we’re always happy to chat! You can e-mail me at sbeattie@northeastshores.org, or feel free to call 216.481.7660.

n  Round 1 of the Artists in Residence Grants: If you haven’t heard yet, our first Artists in Residence grant recipients are hard at work on their neighborhood projects. Grant winners in the first round included Shawn Mishak, Erin Randel, Jef Scharf, Omid Tavakoli, Krista Tomorowitz and Doug Wood. Armed with tremendous skills in video, graphic design, printmaking, landscape design, fashion and music, they’re addressing community issues through art. Learn more about their exciting projects at http://www.cultureforward.org/Our-Programs/Residence/Grants, and stay tuned for more details about their work.

n  Artists in Residence Loans: If you’re working on building out arts-related space in the neighborhood or need to purchase arts-related equipment, you may want to check out our new Artists in Residence loan program, a partnership with NoteWorthy Federal Credit Union. It’s the perfect loan for something that’s not typically covered by a mortgage or that you would have to put on a credit card. With flexible periods of up to four years and interest rates as low as 5.6% APR, this is just one more way that we’re building capacity among our neighborhood’s artists. Learn more at http://www.mycreativecompass.org/Money/Loans/Artists-in-Residence-Loans. For more information about the program, contact Charlie Kamen, Northeast Shores Housing Programs Manager at 216.481.7660, ext. 31, or ckamen@northeastshores.org.

n  Need More Help?: Are you an artist looking for other help not listed here? Check out the new website www.mycreativecompass.org, a one-stop shop of resources for Cleveland artists … Everything from employment to space to calls for artists. Lots of great info, and it’s regularly updated. Visit today, and feel free to post your own listings, too.

n  New Grant: If you haven’t heard, Northeast Shores recently received some very exciting news. A group of some of the most prominent art funders in the country recently awarded us $500,000 for Collinwood Rising, a new program aimed at addressing vacancy challenges in the neighborhood through the arts. This was the only award they made in Ohio and the 4^th biggest award they made nationwide … All based on the tremendous imagination and energy of our neighborhood residents, workers and visitors. Read more about Collinwood Rising at http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2012/06/clevelands_collinwood_neighbor.html and more about our national funder, ArtPlace, at http://www.artplaceamerica.org/. 

Northeast Shores to build TWO playgrounds!

Northeast Shores is currently planning the construction of two playgrounds.

One playground will be a Tot Lot to support the Little Hands daycare located at 15721 Waterloo Road. This daycare desperately needs an improved area for the children of the playground to enjoy. It is anticipated that this playground will be built primarily with volunteers in coordination with the KaBoom organization. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, please check out our dedicated page at:
http://ourdreamplayground.org/projects/8806-waterloo-tot-lot

In addition, Northeast Shores is planning a new artist-inspired playground at the eastern edge of Waterloo Road. This playground will be designed by kids in the neighborhood through an artist-led process. We are partnering with LAND Studio on this exciting project. We will have more details about this process soon but wanted to give all of our friends a "heads up"!

Euclid Beach Blast 2012 Kickstarter Campaign

Euclid Beach Blast 2012 Kickstarter campaign was launched yesterday!  


We now have 29 days left to raise $2700.00 to bring back the Blast!  


We need your support for live music, art installations, games, workshops, an after party at the Beachland Ballroom and much more!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1481657468/euclid-beach-blast-2012

Thanks again for helping us get to our $2700.00 goal!!!

CD Release Party at the LaSalle Theater

Music lovers and local artists are invited to attend the 2012 Fluxadel Release Party, marking the release and listening party of new music from four local artists. The event will be held at the Lasalle Theater, 823 East 185th Street, Cleveland, 44119 on Saturday, June 23rd beginning at 8pm.

With over 10 new pieces of original music being released by four independent artists on this one night, it’s a testament to the creativity, perseverance, and DIY ethic of the Cleveland music scene. “Putting all of the artists together into one celebration at this classic building is unusual but important” says Winnie Rose, whose will debut her aria. “These four artists that are not what they seem from the outside, much like this theater. It’s perfect.” 


Roaming Crazy is hard rock for this age and this time featuring huge riffs and powerful rhythms. 2MERICA is one of the most fearless projects going, healthily bending genres and sounds for years. Ezraz presents a sonic twitter feed with all genres zipping through our modern mind. Also the debut of Winnie Rose and her first release “The Nightlight Aria” should open people’s ears to an intriguing new composer and artist. 


The party will be held in the beautiful Lasalle Theater, the same location where Roaming Crazy recorded their new single “Sing Too” last fall. Built in 1928 and closed in 1992, this classic theater will shine brighter than it has in decades. 1920’s style dress is recommended for a journey through time. Each artist will present an audio-visual peek into their creative process and debut their new release. 


Registration is free and online at http://fluxrelease.eventbrite.com. More information on the party can be found in the FAQ at http://fluxadel.com/party. 


 The Flux-adel Recording Division is as much a production philosophy as it is a physical location. “Production is important. Sound is important, and not just quantitatively but with a search for quality. There’s a lack of dynamic range, a lack of organic or original tones, and a general lack of attention span hurting today’s music industry” says Jodin Ravia, producer at Flux-adel. “We try to balance improvisation and redundancy. Our artists write both pop hooks and instrumental movements. Our goal is to free ourselves from restrictions and turn limitations into strengths, on both the production and compositional fronts.” 


The 2012 Flux-adel Release Party is sponsored by The Musicians Garden http://clevelandrockconservatory.com, Collinwood Sun LLC and Northeast Shores. For more information contact Jodin Ravia, jodiniza@me.com, 216-288-8775

Job Posting - Program Assistant

Northeast Shores Development Corporation

Job Posting

Northeast Shores is the local community development corporation that creates a better North Shores Collinwood for everyone to live, work, and visit. We are proud to serve this mixed income, mixed race neighborhood located on the shores of Lake Erie. We are a non-profit organization that increases homeownership in the neighborhood and helps entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to market. Over the last 10 years, our activities have resulted in over $44 million in neighborhood investment.

Northeast Shores is seeking a Program Assistant who will provide support for organizational staff in the implementation of various community-based, arts-related programs and initiatives. This position is a wonderful opportunity for someone trying to break into the fields of community development and/or arts administration.

The Program Assistant will:

1. Assists in grant-writing and reporting for grant proposals as needed.
2. Prepares various reports for staff on program progress and outcomes.
3. Assists in quality assurance.
4. Maintains consistent and accurate reporting of activities.
5. Maintains an updated and accurate calendar as well as schedules appointments, meetings, and events as requested.
6. Answers multi-line telephone system and transfers calls to appropriate person.
7. Greets and screens incoming visitors in a professional manner and notifies appropriate person of their arrival.
8. Maintains an extensive filing system for correspondence, business matters, and other related data.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (B. A. / B. S.) from a four-year college or university. No experience necessary but evidence of writing ability may be requested before a hiring decision is made.

This position is a full-time hourly position with benefits. The hourly rate for this position is $10 per hour. This position is being offered for a one-year period that will likely not renew at the end of the term.

If you are interested in becoming part of a high performing, mission based nonprofit organization, please forward a resume and cover letter to Brian Friedman, Northeast Shores, 317 East 156^th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44110, or email to bfriedman@northeastshores.org. Fax number is 216-481-7660. No phone calls please. 

Job Posting - Business Concierge

Northeast Shores Development Corporation Job Posting
Northeast Shores is the local community development corporation that creates a better North Shores Collinwood for everyone to live, work, and visit. We are proud to serve this mixed income, mixed race neighborhood located on the shores of Lake Erie. We are a non-profit organization that increases homeownership in the neighborhood and helps entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to market. Over the last 10 years, our activities have resulted in over $44 million in neighborhood investment.

 Northeast Shores is seeking a Business Concierge who will develop beneficial relationships with existing neighborhood businesses and recruit new businesses to locate in the neighborhood. The Business Concierge will:
1. Contact existing businesses via telephone and own vehicle on a continuous basis to promote neighborhood connections.
2. Promote availability of vacant space to new businesses through cold calling, setting appointments, personal contact and site visits.
3. Direct and perform analysis on potential new businesses and budding entrepreneurs.
4. Develop and maintain property owner relations through setting appointments and servicing property owners via telephone, correspondence and personal contact.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree (B. A. / B. S.) from a four-year college or university; and less than one year related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. The successful candidate must have access to a personal vehicle.

This position is a full-time salaried position with benefits. The annual salary for this position is $30,000 to $32,000 depending on qualifications. This position is exempt from overtime compensation. This position is being offered for a one-year period that may not renew at the end of the term.

If you are interested in becoming part of a high performing, mission based nonprofit organization, please forward a resume and cover letter to Brian Friedman, Northeast Shores, 317 East 156th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44110, or email to bfriedman@northeastshores.org. Fax number is 216-481-7660. No phone calls please.

Wedge Artist Statement

The current installation in the Waterloo Tower is the Wedge. It was designed by Abe Olvido. The following is his artist statement about this work:

wedge: 3. Any action or procedure that serves to open the way for a gradual change. Webster's Dictionary. The definition above exemplifies the changes that have happened and are happening on Waterloo. My concept takes all of that change in consideration. In the sunlight, The Wedge installation becomes a vibrant shape of color with its tonal bands glowing in a rhythmic pattern. During those gray days of Cleveland, the installation is a bright and uplifting stroke of massive color and provides an atmospheric backdrop for performances. It is a fantastic beacon of art, ingenuity, and collaboration for the Collinwood area.

Cleveland Arsenal Award Winners Announced

Northeast Shores is pleased to announce the 2012 winners of the Cleveland Arsenal award. The Cleveland Arsenal is a new program designed to honor the achievements of individuals who are sharing their love of Cleveland on a grassroots level, singing the praises of our city’s unique neighborhoods, including North Shore Collinwood. These are all individuals that have shown a strong dedication to this great city and are actively changing people’s minds about Cleveland’s future.

The Cleveland Arsenal is a new program being offered as part of the Artists in Residence initiative, a two-year effort to make North Shore Collinwood an even better neighborhood for artists to live and work, organized by Northeast Shores and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture.

The 2012 winners of the Cleveland Arsenal award are Sam Allard, Daniel Brown, Valerie Mayén, Gina Prodan and Rick Stockburger.

Sam Allard is a journalist and fiction writer from the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. He is the editor of Whiskey Island literary magazine and a book critic for the Plain Dealer. He loves Cleveland for its culture and courtesy, its spunk and pluck, the small-town aromas and big-city sports. He is a fan of the city’s microbrews, gardens and artists.

Daniel Brown is a Cleveland native and recent graduate of DePaul University in Chicago. He is currently participating in a year of service at Saint Martin de Porres High School in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. Daniel loves Cleveland for its vast potential, its neighborhoods and its never-say-die mentality.

Valerie Mayen is a fashion designer, David Bowie advocate and a shop owner. She has lived in Cleveland for nearly 11 years after time in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Corpus Christi. While running her locally -made clothing store Yellowcake in the Gordon Square Arts District, Valerie also heads a budding internship program and a developing sewing workspace for other designers.

Gina Prodan runs the popular Unmiserable Cleveland blog and is an urban cycling-enthusiast and triathlete. She is a web developer at Case Western Reserve University by day and an all-over Cleveland adventurer after work. Gina has volunteered with Cleveland literacy programs for the past decade and is a fan of the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, shops, restaurants and neighborhood movements.

Rick Stockburger is co-creator of Saving Cities and a former Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. He was also the audio engineer for the highly-anticipated documentary Red, White and Blueprints. Rick’s love affair with Cleveland started at an early age ingrained in him through his father’s love for the Browns. He can often be spotted at Harland’s Pub on E. 185th Street.

Each of the five recipients of the honor will receive $1,000 to support their grassroots marketing of Cleveland neighborhoods, including potential marketing of Northeast Shores’ artist support programs. Award recipients will also participate in a series of educational meetings to increase their interaction with local civic marketing organizations, such as Global Cleveland, LiveCLEVELAND! and Positively Cleveland. Northeast Shores plans to offer the program again in 2013.

For more information about the Cleveland Arsenal or about the Artists in Residence program, contact Northeast Shores at 216.481.7660, ext. 27, or sbeattie@northeastshores.org.

Artists in Residence Loan Program Announced

Northeast Shores is announcing another support program for artists living and working in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood, as well as artists who would like to relocate here.

Through a unique partnership with NoteWorthy Federal Credit Union and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture, we are pleased to announce the Artists in Residence loan program. This new loan product supports artists looking to create art space in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. This program covers space conversions that might be difficult to finance through a commercial lender, such as a musician wanting to soundproof a rehearsal space or a painter who wants to convert their garage into a studio.

Each of the program partners are working to make this kind of space conversion easier for artists to complete. Northeast Shores provides participants with access to free space ownership coursework and works with them to develop a personalized financial plan. The Community Partnership for Arts and Culture is providing 25% collateral on every Artists in Residence loan, making it easier to complete a project without taking on a second mortgage or additional credit card debt. NoteWorthy Federal Credit Union is a locally-based national credit union that has been serving the financial needs of the arts community for decades. Their understanding of the artist community’s needs makes the lending process a friendlier process for participants.

Artists in Residence loans are available to artists of all backgrounds and all disciplines (craft, dance, design, literature, media, music, theatre and visual art). The program is focused on investments in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood, so applicants should have access to space in the neighborhood or be in the process of obtaining space there. The loans have flexible repayment schedules and interest rates starting as low as 5.6% APR.

These loans are just the latest offering of our Artists in Residence program, a two-year initiative to make the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood an even better place for artists to live and work. Northeast Shores is also rehabbing houses for artists so they can have the dream home they always wanted, helping them launch their own storefront businesses and distributing $100,000 in small grants giving to support their neighborhood arts projects.

If you are interested in applying for an Artists in Residence loan, or would like more information about our broader efforts to support artists, contact Northeast Shores at 216.481.7660, ext. 27, or sbeattie@northeastshores.org.

Do You Love A Parade?

Then save the date of May 19th, 2012!

Northeast Shores along with the Alive on 185 Committee will be hosting their 4th annual Alive on 185 Parade. If you have always wanted to be in a parade, this is your opportunity. If you don’t want to be in the parade, then please join us to watch the parade as it marches down East 185th St.

Don’t leave after the parade is over! There will be more fun on the street as our merchants participate in a streetwide sidewalk party. There will be food, fun and inflatables until 5:00.

Call Denise Lorek at 216-481-7660 or e-mail her at dlorek@northeastshores.org to find out how you can participate in this year’s event.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

March 10, 2012
10:00 am to Noon
VASJ High School
18491 Lakeshore Blvd.

$5.00 includes Breakfast and a Picture with the Easter Bunny
Easter Egg Hunt at 11:00

The Easter Bunny is brought to you by the Alive on 185 Committee and Northeast Shores Development Corp.

Call the Easter Bunny’s Helper: Denise Lorek 216-481-7660 for Tickets

Northeast Shores launches Cover Your Assets

Cover Your Assets No Interest Loan
Need help replacing your old, battered roof?
Do you live in the 44119 Zip Code?
Then you may qualify for the 0% Loan

Offered by Neighborhood Housing Services in partnership with Northeast Shores
• Terms of Loan: 0% Interest, no payments; loan due upon sale or transfer of property
• Loan Amount: Maximum amount is $10,000
• Types of Repairs: Roof and Gutters only
• No Income Qualifications (but income documentation is necessary)
• Must live in the zip code of 44119 within the City of Cleveland
• Documentation and Application Required

This limited time program offers you the opportunity to take care of a major issue without incurring the kind of upfront, debilitating expense that a new roof generally comes with. This program not only allows you to take action now, but it allows you to rest comfortably without worrying about interest or payments.

You literally owe nothing back until you either sell or transfer your home. Again, while this is a loan program, you will not have any payments until you SELL OR TRANSFER your home. This program is designed to help us all through these tough economic times, not to create more debt while we wade our way through these very real issues.

You may have previously self-determined that you don’t qualify for other Northeast Shores housing programs, but it is critical to note that this initiative does not operate under the same economic guidelines. We strongly urge you to contact us and let us help to determine if you are good fit for this program - no matter what your preconceptions might be.

Charlie Kamen is here in our office and excited to help you get the ball rolling on getting your new roof!

Once you discuss your needs with our Housing Programs Manager (Charlie), he will guide you through applying and the documentation that is needed. He can be reached at (216) 481-7660 or via email at ckamen@northeastshores.org.

NEORSD Meeting on March 1st

Learn more about the EUCLID CREEK TUNNEL PROJECT

On Thursday, March 1st. at 6:00 pm the Northeast Regional Sewer District will be meeting at the Collinwood Rec Center, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd., 216-420-8323 with the residents in proximity of the Euclid Creek Tunnel Project. NEORSD will provide the residents with a project overview and an update on construction schedules (and associated blasting, traffic changes, etc.). NEORSD also wants to address any concerns the residents may have regarding this project.

For more information about this meeting, contact Angela Jones (NEORSD) at 216-881-6600 or Denise Lorek (Northeast Shores Development Corp.) at 216-481-7660

Please forward this information to your neighbors. Thank you.

Award Winners Announced!

Come to the Taste the Neighborhood on February 21, 2012 from 6-9 pm, at the Lithuanian Hall, 877 East 185th St to celebrate the accomplishments of our Award Winners.

North Collinwood Hall of Fame – Cindy Barber
Block Club of the Year – East 156th Street Block Watch
Investment of the Year – City of Cleveland for Collinwood Recreation Center
Business of the Year – All American Pride Car Wash
Partner of the Year – Community Partnership for Arts and Culture
Resident of the Year – Brian Licht

Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door. Call now to reserve your ticket 216-481-7660 ask for Denise.

Not only do we celebrate the accomplishments of our Award Winners, we eat really well. Last year we had food from over 20 different restaurants and eateries. This year promises to be even better because we have many of favorite restaurants returning and we have some new restaurants who will be participating for the first time. We also have lots of cool baskets to raffle off.

Hope to see you there.

It is not too late!

If you have not purchased your ticket yet for Taste The Neighborhood, it’s not too late. If you have purchased one, thank you so much.

It’s also not too late to donate a basket for the Northeast Shores Chinese raffle to be held that night. For those of you have already donated a basket thank you.

It’s that time again!
Northeast Shores Development Corporation is getting ready to host their annual
Taste the Neighborhood, Award Dinner, Chinese Auction, Fund Raising Event.

We will once again showcase the many restaurants and eateries in the area as well as recognize our many residents who go out of their way to improve the quality of life in our area.

The event will take place:
February 21, 2011from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
at the Lithuanian Hall, 877 E. 185th St.
Tickets in advance are $25.00 $30.00 the day of the event.
Hope to see you there.

Register for Little League

Welcome Back to the 2012 NECLL Baseball Season

Registration Dates are Scheduled for:

Saturday, February 18, 2012 1pm - 4pm
Sunday, February 19, 2012 1pm - 4pm
Thursday, February 23, 2012 6pm - 8pm

Check your mailboxes, local schools, grocery stores, libraries and other local places of business for other details.

NECLL Board P.O. Box 19165, Cleveland, Ohio 44119 Phone: 216-692-2255
Email: necll1@yahoo.com Website: http://www.eteamz.com/NECLL/

Taste the Neighborhood - Get Your Tickets Now!

Taste the Neighborhood, the annual fund raising award dinner for Northeast Shores is February 21st, 2012 at 6:00 at the Lithuanian Hall 877 East 185th St. This date falls on Fat Tuesday, the day where you are supposed to eat a lot of food. If you have not been to Taste the Neighborhood, you should get your tickets early. There is a limited amount of tickets to be sold. Get yours now so you don’t miss out on this wonderful event.

This is the fourth year that the wonderful restaurants and eateries will be donating their food to this event. We could not do this event if it were not for the support of all of the people who participate. Last year we had over 20 different places donate their food for tasting.

It would not be an award dinner without awards. Last year we had the first woman enshrined in the Northeast Shores Hall of Fame. Jan Dean won the Hall of Fame award for all of the things she does to improve the quality of life in North Shore Collinwood. Windward Block Club won for the best Block Club, Hospice of the Western Reserve won an award for their investment in the East 185th and Lakeshore area, Pete and Debbie Gulyas won an award for their investment in the Waterloo area. Who is going to win this year? Please come and find out.

We will have our Chinese Auction as well. The baskets donated last year were awesome and from the looks of things the baskets this year will be equally as awesome.
Tickets are $25.00 in advance and $30.00 the night of the event. Tickets can be purchased at Northeast Shores, 317 East 156th St. or call Denise 216-481-7660.

FreshWater Covers our Art Intervention

FreshWater Cleveland just covered our efforts to brighten up the Waterloo Arts District. Check out this story about Steve Ehret's work!

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/forgood/waterloospraypaintart020212.aspx?utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=spraypaint+artist+brightens+building+in+waterloo+arts+district&utm_content=%7bEmail_Address%7d&utm_campaign=The+Art+Behind+the+Game

spraypaint artist brightens building in waterloo arts districtThursday, February 02, 2012

A few short months ago, the vacant, boarded-up commercial property at E. 156th Street and Waterloo Road was like a "Berlin Wall," says Brian Friedman, director of Northeast Shores Community Development Corporation. Passers-by on their way to concerts at the popular Beachland Ballroom were treated to the building's dark, unfriendly visage. Rather than a welcoming gateway to this up-and-coming, arts-friendly community, the structure served as an ugly reminder of the blight nipping at its heels.

Today, the building remains stubbornly vacant. Yet, it's been festooned with a bright, colorful mural signaling the entrance to the the Waterloo Arts District, thanks to a partnership between Northeast Shores and a local graffiti artist.

"The mural is designed to be temporary, since we'd prefer the building to be occupied, but unfortunately difficult commercial projects can take years," says Friedman. "The mural also works well with our recently-launched Artists in Residence initiative, a grant program to deal with issues like vacancy."

The $5,000 mural was completed by Massillon artist Steve Ehret, who has participated in several pop-up galleries in the neighborhood. Friedman hopes it will become the first of many such creative, artistic interventions in North Collinwood.

Last summer, North Collinwood was selected as the location for a two-year, $500,000 pilot program that will use artist-based development to revitalize one urban neighborhood. The program is being managed by the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) and Northeast Shores.

Artists in Residence is Now Launched

Over the past several months, a new program has been taking form in North Shore Collinwood. Northeast Shores and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) have been working to develop Artists in Residence, a two-year program that aims to make our neighborhood an even better place for artists to live and work.

Last week, the organizations launched the Artists in Residence grants program. Over the next two years, the program will provide $100,000 in funding to artists who live or work in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood to support their community arts projects. The partners involved in the project will distribute this grant money in three rounds, with $30,000 available in the first round. The program asks artists to submit their ideas for arts projects that would address one of five priorities identified by neighborhood residents, workers and visitors – telling the story of neighborhood residents; raising the visibility of neighborhood assets; addressing public safety; combating vacancy; or providing opportunities for neighborhood youth. If you are a resident of North Shore Collinwood or work at least 15 hours a week in the neighborhood, you are eligible to compete for a grant of up to $7,500.

Applications for the first round of funding are due March 16th. You can learn more about the grant program at http://www.cpacbiz.org/ftp_file/11-12/Summer2012Guidelines.pdf and access the application form at http://www.cpacbiz.org/ftp_file/11-12/Summer2012ApplicationForm.pdf. Northeast Shores and CPAC will also be holding grant workshops with additional information about the application. The first workshop takes place at the Slovenian Workmen’s Home, 15335 Waterloo Road, Saturday, January 28, from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. A second workshop will also take place Thursday, February 9, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Workshops are free and open to the public, but you must register at http://artistsinresidencegrants.eventbrite.com/ or http://artistsinresidencegrants2.eventbrite.com/.

Grant funding is just one part of the larger Artists in Residence initiative. Northeast Shores and CPAC are also in the process of launching several other program features, including a new low-interest loan program designed specifically for North Shore Collinwood artists. These loans will support artists who want to create arts-specific space in the neighborhood that’s not always easy to get a residential mortgage to cover. Examples might include conversion of a garage into a recording studio or purchasing equipment to do home-based printmaking. Details about this new offering will be available in early February.

Artists in Residence has been made possible through the investment of several national foundations, including Leveraging Investments in Creativity, the Kresge Foundation and the Ford Foundation, and through additional generous support from a Charter One Growing Communities Grant and funding from the George Gund Foundation.

If you have any questions or would like any more information about the Artists in Residence program, please contact Seth Beattie at 216.481.7660 or sbeattie@northeastshores.org