The Cincinnati Arts Allocation Committee (CAAC), a nine-member City advisory body, assists the Department of Community Development (DCD) in administering the arts grant programs. The CAAC was initially appointed in 1989 and was established as a standing committee by City ordinance in 1990. The CAAC makes funding recommendations to City Council for the competitive arts grant programs and advises City Council on other arts matters. The committee advises DCD on policy, application and reporting materials, and the allocation process for the competitive grant programs. CAAC members are residents of the city of Cincinnati who volunteer their service to the City. Committee members have a demonstrated commitment to the arts in Cincinnati, expertise in one or more arts disciplines, and a willingness to serve on a working body that has a holistic focus on the interests of Cincinnati and its arts community. Members of the CAAC are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. The term of service is three years with a maximum of two full, back-to-back terms. Current members are

Jeaunita Olowe (Chair)
Company manager, education director, rehearsal coach, Bi-Okoto Drum & Dance Theatre; dancer; choreographer

Kristin Dietsche (Vice Chair)
Core faculty member, Union Institute; independent theater producer; founder, Women’s Theatre Initiative

Lissa Urriquia Gapultos
Manager of Institutional Giving, Cincinnati Opera; board member, Know Theatre; actress; dancer

Melissa Godoy
Media director, producer and writer; Ohio Arts Council Arts Learning Program residency artist

Alan Kastner
Creative director, Libby Perszyk Kathman; visual artist

Kate Kern
Visual artist; Ohio Arts Council Arts Learning Program residency artist

Glenn Ray
Arts administrator, musician, arts educator

Sean Rhiney
Attorney; Public Service Coordinator and Counselor, University of Cincinnati College of Law; musician; co-founder, Midpoint Music Festival

Manuel Susarret
Education Consultant, Curriculum Advantage; musician; Music Director, Kai Kweol Caribbean dance company; information technology consultant