By Residents, for Residents
CAC’s revenue source is a dedicated tax on cigarettes that was approved by Cuyahoga County voters in 2006, renewed in 2015, and expanded in 2024. The tax allows CAC to invest millions of dollars each year to support the work of hundreds of local arts nonprofits. The existing tax levy is set to expire in 2035.
Committed to Equity
In all areas of our work, CAC strives to promote racial equity, inclusion, and belonging. We lead with racial equity because we are aware that the creation and perpetuation of racial inequalities is embedded into government.
Transparent and Accountable
CAC spends public funds in line with its values of stewardship and trust. CAC has consistently received the highest audit rating from the Ohio Auditor of State each year since its inception, and has been awarded the Auditor of State Award.
Connection
We believe we can go farther together. We nurture the relationships that we have and actively seek out new partnerships that will enable us to better serve the entire population of the County.
Discovery
We value continuous improvement and strive to bring a spirit of innovation and creativity to all of our work. Recognizing that stewardship of resources can require us to act boldly as well as thoughtfully, we actively seek out new opportunities in line with our values.
Equity
We recognize that our society is challenged to overcome a complex web of inequities, and we believe that CAC is responsible for operating with an awareness of legacies of privilege and power that have effects on opportunity, access and resources. This awareness informs all of our policies and practices, including grantmaking, hiring, and resident engagement.
Service
We exist to support all of Cuyahoga County’s residents and strive to lead by listening and acting in partnership with our cultural partners and community residents.
Stewardship
We are accountable to all County residents for ensuring that resources – both human and financial – are managed prudently and to their best use now and for years to come.
Trust
We operate with integrity and strive to be worthy of the public’s trust. We operate transparently and openly, and we assume positive intent, actively seeking the best in each person and situation.