Committee advances $20,000 ARPA grant for Kings and Queens of Art to full council

Gwendolyn Garth, founder and owner of Kings and Queens of Art, told the Cuyahoga County Education Environment Sustainability Committee on April 16 that a $20,000 award from a District 7 ARPA community grant fund would expand a mobile classroom and adult‑literacy program she piloted with 29 participants.

Garth described turning a small paratransit bus into a mobile classroom with support from an Art for Justice grant and said past participants in a 'learn‑and‑earn' pilot received a $260 gift card for completing a 26‑week workbook and tutoring curriculum. "We bring art and adult literacy to those who don't usually go to art museums," she said, adding that the money would help pay stipends, cover outreach costs and support work at library branches under discussion with the Cleveland Public Library.

Committee members praised the project's results and community orientation. Councilman Schlafner called the work "incredible," noting it lifts participants through arts exposure and wraparound supports. Chair Miss Simon and others highlighted the program's history of local partnerships and archival work in public libraries.

The committee voted to advance Resolution 20250115, authorizing a sum not to exceed $20,000 to Kings and Queens of Art, with a recommendation of approval for three readings before the full county council. Chair said county staff will contact the grantee about next steps for processing the award.

The motion passed with all members present voting in favor; one member was absent. The full council will consider the resolution in three readings as required by county legislative procedure.