Welcome weekend changes perceptions and wows visiting artists

Psst!  Did you ever have a secret that you just couldn’t keep to yourself and wanted to tell everybody?  Well, so do we! Some of you, of course, already know the awesome secret….that our city has a thriving arts scene and wonderful opportunities for artists. Thanks to the fun filled and impressive Welcome to Cleveland Weekend….it’s not a secret anymore.

From August 1st through August 4th, attendees from around the nation had the chance to come together and celebrate what both Collinwood and Cleveland has to offer them … and all at a ridiculously low cost! Hotel accommodations, ground transportation and meals were included along with opportunities to check out some of Cleveland’s most artist-friendly neighborhoods. To add to the experience, they were able to meet and network with a wide range of fellow creative spirits that lended their voices and insight to what makes our city such a great place to live, work and play.

The much anticipated event was co-hosted by Northeast Shores Development Corporation and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC); and was designed with out-of-town artists in mind who may be considering a move to Cleveland.  Our beautiful City was showcased along with opportunities that are available to artists that may not be attainable in places like New York City or Chicago.

Visitors enjoyed a 3 night stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel inside of the historic Arcade building downtown. Weekend highlights included guided tours of Cleveland’s premiere artist neighborhoods and institutions, behind the scenes access to some of Cleveland’s great cultural organizations, complementary daytime and evening arts programming, tours of houses and storefronts that are being targeted for artist ownership, and first hand experiences of Cleveland’s culinary scene.  The annual Euclid Beach Blast! also proved to be an awe inspiring treat to the Welcome to Cleveland attendees.  Great food from local eateries, live theater and music, dancing, prizes, giveaways and more….all while enjoying a beautiful view of Lake Erie….was another testament of how wonderful it is to live in the North Collinwood neighborhood.  A breathtaking sunset rounded out the evening and a fun time was had by all!  The weekend concluded with a delicious brunch at the Beachland Ballroom where guests enjoyed delectable food, networked with local artists, and shared their thoughts about their Cleveland experience.  The weekend getaway provided participants with an amazing up close and personal look into why our city truly rocks and is one of the top locations in the country for artists, musicians and creative entrepreneurs!

Northeast Shores and CPAC are continuously working every day to get artists' access to space ownership, grants and loans ... and making sure that artists get a chance to play a big role in neighborhood revitalization.  Find out about all sorts of artist resources unique to Cleveland and how they're helping artists pursue their dreams by visiting www.welcometocollinwood.com.

WCPN Interview

Last week, David C. Barnett of WCPN (90.3 FM) interviewed our Executive Director, Brian A. Friedman. The interview focused on our efforts to attract artists to our housing in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. We are very proud to be interviewed and hope you check the story out at:
http://www.ideastream.org/news/feature/55328

Help Wanted - Community Organizer

Community Organizer

Northeast Shores Development Corporation is one of Cleveland’s leading community development corporations. The organization has greatly contributed to the physical, economic and social development of the North Shore Collinwood area of Cleveland.  Northeast Shores is currently seeking a Community Organizer to manage all development project work.

In this role, you will be responsible for canvassing the neighborhood, talking with residents and other stakeholders, identifying potential leaders, and identifying issues which are in the common self-interest of community residents.  The Organizer moves people to action so they can win a visible victory or measurable change in their community.  In addition, the Organizer uses the process of organizing as an opportunity to develop the leadership skills of community residents.  The Organizer is expected to work several block groups or neighborhood-wide issues at any one time. A current neighborhood-wide issue under this role is implementing various community safety initiatives. 

Further, you will be responsible for the organization’s events organizing and community garden initiatives. In particular, the organization is currently implementing several events including, but not limited to, the Alive on East 185^th Parade and the Taste the Neighborhood fundraiser. It is a core responsibility of the Organizer to coordinate these community events. The Organizer is also responsible for coordinating our efforts to submit monthly articles to the neighborhood newsletter.

The successful candidate will have prior experience in non-profit community organizing, mediation, social work, or similar background.  Familiarity with volunteer coordination; project management skills; event planning; record keeping; proficiency with MS Office Suite; excellent verbal and written communication skills; conflict resolution skills; and the ability to use a personal vehicle with valid driver’s license and minimum property/casualty coverage on such vehicle are also critical to your success in this position.  The successful candidate must be available for neighborhood meetings and events that occur on evenings and some weekends. Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, urban studies, public administration or a related field is a plus. Familiarity with the North Shore Collinwood community a plus.

We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and a supportive and dynamic work environment.  To apply, e-mail or mail your resume and salary requirements by August 21 to:

Brian A. Friedman

Executive Director

Northeast Shores Development Corporation

317 East 156^th Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44110

bfriedman@northeastshores.org

Help Wanted - Office Assistant

Office Assistant

Northeast Shores Development Corporation is one of Cleveland’s leading community development corporations. The organization is mission driven and has greatly contributed to the physical, economic and social development of the North Shores Collinwood area of Cleveland.  Northeast Shores is currently seeking a part-time Office Assistant to help staff and volunteers further our mission of improving this quality neighborhood.

In this role, you will assist the organization and help run various housing and commercial programs for the neighborhood. You will receive, screen, and route telephone calls. You will process and record payments made to accounts receivable and payable for accuracy and timeliness. You will review and provide feedback on draft correspondence and grant applications as well as ensure that all grant applications and correspondence are complete. The Office Assistant will update information regarding membership database and board reports. You will organize, order, and maintain office supplies, materials, publications, and applications.

The successful candidate will have working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, including CRM.  Familiarity with community development and/or the North Shore Collinwood community will be considered a plus.

The Office Assistant position is a 20-hour per week part-time hourly position. Applicants should apply if they are available to work four-hours per day from 10 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday.  To apply, e-mail or mail your resume by August 21 to:

  

Brian A. Friedman

Executive Director

Northeast Shores Development Corporation

317 East 156^th Street

Cleveland, Ohio 44110

bfriedman@northeastshores.org

Collinwood Rising - July

In our ongoing monthly series, ArtPlace asked Northeast Shores Executive Director, Brian A. Friedman, what suggestions do we have for the recent crop of grant recipients. Here are excerpts from that conversation:

Update
The creative spirit is becoming more prominent in North Collinwood and we couldn’t be more pleased! Continuous ingenuity within the community and the resulting comraderie that’s forming between residents is bringing about a wonderful change in the neighborhood.  From The Waterloo Arts Fest, art gallery installations, a new community sculpture garden and pocket park, our Walk all over Waterloo series  and prepping for our upcoming Welcome to Cleveland weekend, art is alive and definitely kicking up a fuss!

Recent Wins
1. Arts Collinwood (soon to be Waterloo Arts) hosted another successful Summer Arts Bash on June 29^th.  The Waterloo Arts Fest had a tremendous turnout.   Attendees were engaged throughout the day and participated in fun events while listening to tantalizing music from local bands that hailed from 5 stages.  Attractions included art vendors, street art installations, local food vendors,  giant puppets and stilt walkers, hula hoop dancing, painting workshops, chalk drawing for kids (and the young at heart), pony rides and more.  According to comments from several past attendees, this was the best festival yet. Stay tuned!

2. A local sculptor is working to transform a vacant house into an exciting new center for installation art. The home was secured by Northeast Shores and will feature the faces of the community pasted to an exterior plywood surface. The Xeroxed images of “community members at large” will be captured at neighborhood copy-jam parties at Collinwood events/venues that will encourage participation and feedback regarding the conception of “The Town Hall of Art” a soon-to-be interactive art space.

3. Waterloo's first park (Waterloo Sculpture Garden) has been completed. The garden will feature local professional artists, as well as regional artists, while still showcasing the sculpture departments of local universities.  In the same vein, our beautiful pocket park project has received favorable responses from our residents.  The small park features a walking path, radiant flowers, fruit trees, places to sit and play, and murals and sculptures from local artists. With the generous support of ArtPlace, the newly opened park will provide an outdoor space where neighborhood residents can intermingle and enjoy the good weather and natural beauty.

Insight
Northeast Shores remains dedicated to continuing our mission and goal of making our neighborhood one of the strongest artist communities in the country.  By joining forces with community leaders, business merchants, artists and residents; and incorporating artists into the community; and forming relationships with non-artists, political figures and law enforcement, we strive to improve the quality of life for residents while creating an enjoyable atmosphere/experience for visitors alike.

The key to success is acknowledging the value of insight that is contributed by the community as a whole. Building on and marketing assets, drawing upon strengths and continuing to seek out opportunities for funding is crucial to any non-profit organization.  In spite of economic pressures and the challenges of maintaining financial support, it is the responsibility of everyone to work, collectively, to address community issues…..with team work, anything is possible.