PRESS RELEASE
CLEVELAND, OH (August 11, 2025) — The Cleveland Arts Prize (CAP) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Awards, celebrating exceptional creative talent and cultural leadership across Northeast Ohio. As CAP marks its 65th year, this milestone class of winners continues the organization’s long-standing mission to recognize artistic excellence and elevate the region’s vibrant arts community.
The 65th Annual Cleveland Arts Prize Awards Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM) at the Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre, Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus. The event will feature live performances, tributes, and the official presentation of the 2025 prizes. For tickets, visit www.clevelandartsprize.org
2025 Cleveland Arts Prize Recipients:
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- 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.
- Emerging Artist Award: Ali Black (Literature) – $10,000
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- 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.
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- 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’s 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 – 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.
“Our 2025 Cleveland Arts Prize discipline winners and special prize honorees reflect the extraordinary range of creativity, innovation, and impact shaping the cultural life of Northeast Ohio,” said Effie Nunes, Executive Director of the Cleveland Arts Prize. “These artists and changemakers are not only masters of their craft, but also vital voices in our community. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the inspiration they bring to us all.”
Ticket Information:
Tickets for the Annual Awards Event range from $250 (VIP) to $75 (General Admission) and $20 student tickets, and are available now at www.clevelandartsprize.org.
This year’s event will be followed by a lively After Party in the theatre lobby, featuring cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. Ticket level determines beverage access, and complimentary valet parking will be available for guests’ convenience.
Since 1960, Cleveland Arts Prize has recognized over 400 artists, cultural leaders, and advocates. CAP remains the nation’s oldest municipal arts prize and continues to serve as a living archive of Cleveland’s creative legacy.
About Cleveland Arts Prize
The Cleveland Arts Prize is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that honors artists and cultural leaders who shape and elevate the creative life of Northeast Ohio. Through its annual prizes, fellowships, and programs, CAP supports innovation, expression, and excellence in the arts.
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For more information contact:
Effie Nunes, Executive Director
Cleveland Arts Prize
330.283.2713
etnunes@clevelandartsprize.org