Welcome to CollectivExpress
Empowering Greater Cleveland Through Community, Culture, and Connection
Community. Mobilized.
Welcome to CollectivExpress, where we believe in the profound impact of community engagement, the arts, and shared experiences. Our mission is clear: to engage, unite, and empower marginalized residents of Greater Cleveland. Founded by Josiah Britt, our organization has evolved from a personal outlet into a powerful force of community empowerment throughout northeast Ohio.
Explore the roots of CollectivExpress, our founder’s vision, and meet the passionate individuals driving our initiatives. Learn how we’ve become a dynamic force for positive change in Northeast Ohio.
Our Story
It all started with a question: Can culture be used as an effective means to encourage and educate residents of Cleveland in their own community in order to empower them to increase their quality of life?
Josiah Britt spent the early part of 2017 putting together a small team of supporters and building a pilot summer outreach program, which launched CollectivExpress. Over time, the program continued to develop, inspired by Josiah’s musical past as an emcee in the local music scene. The program initially looked like pop-up family-friendly music parties, which included art activities for the community, kids’ activities, book giveaways, healthy food giveaways, materials to connect the community to local resources, and lots of encouragement. From there, CollectivExpress has continued to grow and evolve in both creative and effective ways to encourage and empower local residents in their own neighborhoods.
Additionally, our program menu now includes mission-driven music and visual arts experiences, as well as youth education workshops.
Our Work
When the first program started on June 4, 2017, it became immediately clear that CollectivExpress wasn’t the only one who needed to speak – Cleveland’s residents also had something to say to their community. From that day forward, CollectivExpress has been a two-way street.
Community – residents, neighbors, youth, friends and family – is the focus of each event and program CollectivExpress takes part in. Sharing dialogue, mentorship, music, culture, resources and meals together – that’s how we mobilize community.
Through our programming, hundreds of residents have been engaged in their own community. As this organization continues on its mission, we hope that many more residents will take the microphone and leave with a renewed sense of what community should look and feel like.
Collectiv Impact
100+
Community Programs
500+
Youth Programs
3000+
MyDot Pink Packs
7
Years In Service
Our Funders
Monthly Spotlights
Explore the vibrancy of Greater Cleveland through our Monthly Spotlights. From community gardens to impactful murals, these spotlights showcase the essence of our diverse neighborhoods.
Blog & Updates
Stay informed with our latest news, events, and initiatives. Follow our Music Speaks series and get behind-the-scenes glimpses of how we’re making a difference in the lives of Cleveland residents.
Arts for Resilience in Our Community
The Arts for Resistance in Our Community program is a...
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Make Your Mark Mural
The Make Your Mark mural was a collaborative between the...
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Annual Report
Dig into the details of our impact through our Annual Reports. These comprehensive documents highlight key achievements, showcase community growth, and outline our vision for the future.
Get in Touch
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions, feedback, or inquiries. Your thoughts are valuable, and we look forward to connecting with you.