Klaus George Roy circa 1960

Roy’s rationale: “It is in the sphere of creative work that the city is much slower to show its interest and concern than it is in performance, teaching and production. It is proposed that Cleveland adopt a device which is widely practiced in Europe, and which has borne some very striking results. It is envisioned that there would be, each year, four artists who become recipients of an award to be known as ‘the Cleveland Arts
Prize’. . . .

1962 Arts Prize winners

“Imagine,” Roy continued, “what this would mean to the reputation of Cleveland, in the state, in the country and perhaps worldwide. The fact that this great industrial metropolis, a manufacturing center, should show its faith in creative art by such a gesture is sure to increase the respect of the nation for Cleveland and its people.”

Martha Joseph, an officer of the Women’s City Club and a cultural arts leader, accepted Roy’s challenge and assembled the first Cleveland Arts Prize Committee. In 1961, three leading artists—composer Herbert Elwell, novelist Jo Sinclair, and goldsmith John Paul Miller—received the inaugural prizes.

Martha Joseph circa 1960

Martha Joseph gave steady and astute guidance to the Cleveland Arts Prize program for 30 years and led the drive to establish an endowment.

In 1990 Mary Louise Hahn assumed the responsibility of Committee chair, a position she held until February 2000. During her tenure Hahn significantly broadened community participation in Arts Prize activities, commissioned the creation of an Arts Prize medal, obtained corporate underwriting to launch a scholarship program, and established the tradition of holding the annual ceremony in different cultural venues.

Diana Tittle, the recipient of the 1997 Cleveland Arts Prize for Literature, was named chairperson in 2000. Under her volunteer leadership over the next two years the Cleveland Arts Prize codified and published its selection criteria; facilitated public participation in nomination processes; produced governing committee and jury handbooks; instituted terms of service for participation on the governing committee and juries; established strategic planning, finance, and development subcommittees; created an organizational Web site; and made it possible for the public to attend the awards ceremony at no charge.

Robert P. Madison

In 2002 Diana Tittle was appointed president, becoming the Arts Prize’s first-ever CEO, and the Cleveland Arts Prize became an independent 501(c)(3) under the volunteer leadership of new chairman Robert P. Madison. Madison, the noted Cleveland architect and recipient of the Arts Prize’s 2000 Special Citation for Distinguished Service to the Arts, is spearheading a drive to professionalize the organization’s operation, secure its financial self-sufficiency, and enhance the national visibility and prestige of its awards.

Mission

History of the Prize

Sponsors

Governing Board

National Overview