CLEARWATER ARTS ALLIANCE, INC.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA

Clearwater Arts Alliance, Inc., established in Clearwater, Florida, is a vibrant non-profit organization with the primary mission of promoting and supporting the arts within the region. Founded in 1999, it focuses on enhancing arts education, increasing public visibility for artists, and fostering collaboration among community stakeholders. One of the Alliance's key initiatives includes the Clearwater Arts Teacher Funding program, which annually supports major arts projects in three schools. In addition to this, every March, they organize Youth Arts Month—a collaborative effort with local schools and the city—to host a juried exhibition for elementary through middle school students. The Alliance has significantly contributed to making Clearwater an active cultural hub. It sponsors various public art exhibitions like Pianos in Pinellas and organizes events such as Sculpture360: Art in the Cleveland Street District, broadening access to art outside traditional galleries and museums. Their Friends of the Arts program recognizes donors who support their mission through financial contributions and participation in newsletters and related activities. Clearwater Arts Alliance plays a pivotal role in advancing public arts education and has engaged with broader county plans for cultural development. Post-2011, when the Pinellas County Cultural Affairs division was dissolved due to budget cuts, Creative Pinellas—although limited by funding—was established as the local arts agency. The county is now considering further funding increases to support the arts, acknowledging its impact on economic vitality and community well-being. The organization's Board of Directors, including notable members like Eleanor Cicerchi (Vice President), Marlayna McMillan (Treasurer), and Maranda Douglas (Secretary), steer efforts toward enhancing cultural activities across Clearwater. For more information about their programs and initiatives, interested individuals can visit their website at clearwaterartsalliance.com.