Celebrating its 65th year of honoring artistic excellence, Cleveland Arts Prize is one of the oldest and most esteemed arts awards in the United States. The recipients of the awards are carefully selected by a distinguished jury of experts, previous winners, and prominent figures in the arts and culture community.

The Board of Trustees of Cleveland Arts Prize is honored to announce the 2025 Cleveland Arts Prize Recipients:

Emerging Artist Award: Ali Black (Literature) – $10,000
A vital voice in Cleveland’s literary scene, whose latest collection We Look Better Alive boldly explores the struggles Black women face in pursuit of beauty and survival. 

Mid-Career Artist: Jason Vieaux (Music) – $10,000

A Grammy-winning guitarist whose international acclaim and deep Northeast Ohio roots make him a true bridge between local talent and global excellence. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mark E. Howard (Visual Art) – $10,000

A sculptor, painter, muralist and textile artist, Mark has brightened and energized public spaces like the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Hopkins Airport and the Cleveland Main Public Library.

Special Prize Honorees:

Special Citation from the Board of Trustees: Jennie Jones  — A Renowned photographer, author and visual historian whose iconic images have captured the architectural essence of Cleveland for over five decades.

Barbara S. Robinson Prize for the Advancement of the Arts which is Board-selected: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation — for extraordinary leadership and philanthropic support of arts and culture institutions.  This recognition celebrates the Mandel Foundation’s exceptional dedication to strengthening Northeast Ohio’s cultural landscape, in perfect alignment with the spirit and legacy of Barbara S. Robinson herself—a tireless arts advocate, civic leader, and champion of artistic excellence. Over the years, the Mandel Foundation has made extraordinary investments in the region’s arts and cultural institutions, such as The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Public Theatre and Cleveland Institute of Art, just to name a few.

Robert P. Bergman Prize: Greg Peckham – an innovative civic leader and longtime champion of public art and urban design. For more than two decades, he served as Executive Director of LAND studio, where he helped transform Cleveland’s public spaces into vibrant, inclusive environments through landmark art and placemaking initiatives. Most recently, Peckham joined the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where he brings his strategic vision and community engagement expertise to the work of land preservation and sustainable development. His leadership continues to reflect a deep commitment to equity, access, and cultural vitality across Northeast Ohio.

Martha Joseph Prize for Distinguished Service to the Arts: Robin Pease – of Native American descent, is a playwright, actor, educator, and the founding Artistic Director of Kulture Kids. Her work centers on culturally diverse storytelling, with a particular focus on plays that celebrate Native American heroes and history. Through dynamic performances that blend music, theater, and interactive engagement, Pease brings Indigenous narratives to life for audiences of all ages. Her decades-long commitment to arts education has inspired thousands of students and educators, fostering empathy, inclusivity, and cultural pride throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond.