Keep The P.E.A.C.E. Plan
Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. has a feasible plan to operate and maintain the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus as an Arts, Culture & Education Center that will be not only financially sustainable but also economically and socially beneficial to the surrounding community.
We only ask to be heard with open minds. We seek good-faith dialogue with the Library’s leadership and our City leaders in which we come together, united to make this project successful. We want to collaborate with leaders who are determined to find solutions and open opportunities for progress. We know we have visionary and innovative community leaders, and the hope of the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. organizations is that those leaders will demonstrate their support for this project by joining us and working together. Together we can create something exceptional in Cleveland Heights that will positively impact our community for generations to come.
The Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. plan to make our vision of a thriving and engaging Arts, Culture & Education Center at the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus a reality:
- Secure a long-term lease between Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. and the property owner. If the Library does not want to retain ownership of the property, the City of Cleveland Heights should assume ownership to steward this project to success.
- Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. will resume management of the property. This includes:
- holding the sub-leases for all organizations in the Campus,
- finding and securing new tenants to work toward full occupancy,
- financially managing the property,
- securing funding for the needed capital repairs and updates, and
- overseeing all the completion of all needed repairs, maintenance, and updates.
- Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. will assume all financial responsibilities and liabilities for the Campus, shielding the property owner from any financial burden.
- Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. and the property owner will negotiate a contracted plan for an eventual transfer of the property to Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. This will include measurable benchmarks for Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. to achieve so as to demonstrate to the property owner’s satisfaction its ability to manage the property successfully and actualize the goal of establishing a thriving Arts, Culture & Education Center in Cleveland Heights.
Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. is a local nonprofit that has previously successfully managed the building while keeping it “in the black.”
- Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to maintain, improve, promote, and activate the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus as a Arts, Culture & Education Center in the heart of Cleveland Heights, Coventry Village.
- From October 2020 through December 2021 (14 months) Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. was the sole lease holder with the Library, subletting to all of the organizations in the building.
- From October 2020 through December 2022, Coventry P.E.A.C.E., Inc. served as the legal property manager of the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus.
The positive impact of community arts programs on local economies, community engagement, property values, and crime reduction:
Economic Impact
For every $1 invested in the arts, communities see a $5 to $7 return in local economic activity.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
Job Creation
The arts sector creates jobs at a rate of 4.61 full-time equivalent positions per $100,000 of spending.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
Tourism Boost
Cities with vibrant arts scenes see a 25% increase in tourism revenue.
Source: National Governors Association. “New Engines of Growth: Five Roles for Arts, Culture and Design.”
Business Attraction
Companies are 35% more likely to relocate to areas with robust arts and cultural amenities.
Source: The Conference Board. “Ready to Innovate.”
Consumer Spending
Arts attendees spend an average of $31.47 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
GDP Contribution
Arts and culture contribute more than $800 billion annually to the U.S. economy, or 4.3% of the GDP.
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis. “Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account.”
Startup Growth
Cities with strong arts communities see a 15% higher rate of startup growth.
Source: Urban Institute. “Arts and Culture in Urban or Regional Planning: A Review and Research Agenda.”
Tax Revenue
The arts sector generates substantial tax revenue, with local governments receiving $7.9 billion annually.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
Economic Revitalization
Communities with active arts programs report a 20% increase in economic revitalization efforts.
Source: The National Endowment for the Arts. “Creative Placemaking.”
Sales Impact
The non-profit arts industry generates $166.3 billion in economic activity annually, supporting 4.6 million jobs.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
Civic Engagement
Participation in community arts increases civic engagement by 28%.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Civic Engagement.”
Volunteerism
Communities with strong arts programs see a 35% increase in volunteerism.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
Voter Participation
Arts-engaged individuals are 15% more likely to vote.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Civic Engagement.”
Social Capital
Arts participation boosts social capital, enhancing community cohesion and collaboration.
Source: Social Impact of the Arts Project (SIAP). “Cultural Indicators Project.”
Community Events
Arts programs often lead to a 50% increase in community events and gatherings.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Civic Engagement.”
Public Spaces
Arts initiatives improve public spaces, increasing their use by 30%.
Source: Project for Public Spaces. “Creative Placemaking.”
Youth Engagement
Arts programs can engage youth, reducing idle time by 40%.
Source: National Guild for Community Arts Education. “The Impact of Community-Based Arts Programs.”
Intergenerational Interaction
Arts programs foster intergenerational interaction, with a 25% increase in participation by both young and old.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
Cultural Awareness
Arts programs enhance cultural awareness, leading to a 20% increase in community harmony.
Source: National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. “Advancing Arts Education through an Expanded School Day.”
Neighborhood Networks
Participation in the arts strengthens neighborhood networks by 22%.
Source: University of Pennsylvania. “Social Impact of the Arts Project (SIAP).”
Property Value Increase
Property values in neighborhoods with active arts programs increase by 20%.
Source: American Planning Association. “How Arts and Cultural Strategies Create, Reinforce, and Enhance Sense of Place.”
Attractiveness
60% of real estate agents say properties near cultural districts are more attractive to buyers.
Source: Urban Land Institute. “Creative Placemaking in Real Estate.”
Reduced Vacancy
Arts programs contribute to a 25% reduction in property vacancies.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “Our Town: Arts-Based Community Development Investments.”
Urban Renewal
Arts initiatives play a key role in urban renewal, leading to a 15% increase in property investments.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Economic Growth.”
Historic Preservation
Arts programs often contribute to the preservation and revitalization of historic properties, increasing their value by 18%.
Source: The National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The Impact of Arts and Culture on Historic Preservation.”
Community Investment
Neighborhoods with arts programs see a 30% increase in community investment.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “Arts & Economic Prosperity Report.”
Public Perception
Public perception of safety and attractiveness increases by 35% in areas with visible arts programs.
Source: The Trust for Public Land. “Creative Placemaking: Integrating Art into Public Spaces.”
New Developments
Areas with strong arts communities attract 25% more new developments.
Source: Urban Institute. “Arts and Culture in Urban or Regional Planning: A Review and Research Agenda.”
Commercial Value
Commercial properties near arts districts see a 15% increase in value.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “How the Arts Impact Property Values.”
Juvenile Delinquency Reduction
Participation in arts programs is associated with a 29% reduction in juvenile delinquency and youth crime rates.
Source: The National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth.”
After-School Arts Programs
After-school arts programs reduce risky behavior in youth by 71%.
Source: The YouthARTS Development Project. “YouthARTS: Arts Programs for Youth At Risk.”
Gang Involvement
Arts education decreases the likelihood of gang involvement by providing constructive and engaging activities.
Source: Justice Arts Coalition. “Impact of Arts on Recidivism.”
Community Cohesion
Neighborhoods with active arts programs report a 25% decrease in neighborhood crime rates due to increased community cohesion.
Source: The Urban Institute. “The Arts and Community Safety.”
Violence Prevention
Communities with robust arts programs see a 20% reduction in violence-related incidents.
Source: The American Journal of Public Health. “The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health.”
Conflict Resolution Skills
Arts programs improve conflict resolution skills, decreasing interpersonal violence by 30%.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “The Arts and Conflict Resolution.”
Substance Abuse Prevention
Youth engaged in arts programs are 55% less likely to use drugs compared to their peers.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth.”
Safer School Environments
Schools with strong arts curricula report 45% fewer disciplinary issues.
Source: The Center for Arts Education. “Staying in School: Arts Education and New York City High School Graduation Rates.”
Neighborhood Safety
Residents in arts-rich neighborhoods feel 30% safer.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “Creative Placemaking: Improving Safety in Public Spaces.”
Community Pride
Community arts programs increase local pride, leading to a 20% reduction in vandalism.
Source: Americans for the Arts. “The Social Impact of the Arts.”
Public Art
The presence of public art is linked to a 15% decrease in property crimes.
Source: Project for Public Spaces. “Creative Placemaking.”
Street Engagement
Areas with street arts and performances see a 25% reduction in petty crime.
Source: National Endowment for the Arts. “How Arts Programming Reduces Crime.”
Youth Employment
Arts programs provide employment opportunities for youth, reducing crime by 20%.
Source: The Aspen Institute. “Youth Employment Programs: An Economic Impact Analysis.”
Mentorship
Arts programs with mentorship components reduce youth crime by 35%.
Source: The National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth.”
School Attendance
Students involved in arts programs have a 30% higher school attendance rate, reducing truancy-related crimes.
Source: The National Endowment for the Arts. “The Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth.”
Complete our landlord's survey
The Library (building owner) is currently conducting a survey to collect feedback from the community on the fate of our building. Several of the question only offer bad options for answers and there is very little opportunity to show support of what already exists in the building - the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. project.
We would encourage you to check the boxes for "OTHER" and use the text fields to state the building should not be demolished and Coventry P.E.A.C.E. should be given a long-term lease and the ability to manage the building and finance its improvements.
List of supporters
If you believe in the Coventry PEACE Campus Project, and the organizations we support, please add your name to our supporters list. By sharing with our community the names of those who want to see this project carried forward, you can inspire others to join us, too.
Come to our P.E.A.C.E. Pops Event
In addition to all the wonderful activities we'll be hosting (open studios, live music, open mic, hands-on workshops & more), we'll have a Q&A table and information avialable to help answer any questions you have. Plus, we'll be happy to take you on a tour of the facility!
Advocacy toolkit
Download a digital version of our advocacy toolkit and share with others.
Sign up for emails
Be sure you are receiving our latest news and event listings.
Get our graphics
Use our images for your social media profiles and cover images.
Watch and share the videos below.
Stay up-to-date on the latest Coventry PEACE Campus news and events – sign up to receive emails or follow us on social media.
Emails & Newsletters
Occassionally we send out updates, event information and newsletters via email. Click on the link below to sign up to receive information via email.
Social Media.
Coventry PEACE Campus can be found on several social media platforms. Click on the button below to find us online and be sure to like/follow us!
What is Coventry PEACE Campus?
When the school district sought to divest itself from the former Coventry Elementary School building in 2017, leaving its future uncertain, the leaders of all the tenant organizations and a broad base of community supporters came together in a grassroots movement to propose ways to preserve and grow the thriving arts, culture and education hub that had organically taken root there. From this effort, the Coventry PEACE Campus came into being. The Coventry P.E.A.C.E. building currently houses a dozen local and regional nonprofits. It is our goal to provide an accessible, sustainable, more efficient, and affordable home for these nonprofits, and to attract new organizations to the building.
