Mission:
To strengthen and advance the arts and culture sector as an essential asset in building a thriving community in Northeast Ohio.

Background:
By the mid-1990s, a number of cultural institutions in Northeast Ohio were suffering from ongoing financial crises. During the mid 1990s, as many Northeastern Ohio cultural institutions were suffering from ongoing financial crises, the Cleveland Foundation Civic Study Commission on the Performing Arts explored the depth of the problem and identified solutions. One of its recommendations to assure the continued vitality of the region's cultural assets for generations to come called for the creation of a community-wide arts and culture plan for Greater Cleveland. CPAC was launched to work with the region's people to create an arts and cultural blueprint for success. Over time, CPAC has evolved into a service provider focused on filling three functional gaps identified through the planning process: business practices, public policy, and research.

Outstanding Web Features:
The CPAC Web site offers information on public issues and business practices for both individuals and organizations, as well as access to a research library for members — each areas provides information geared for cultural advocates and professionals. Though the organization focuses on local efforts, it provides additional links to organizations throughout the country.