Balance Point Studios
Cleveland, OH
BALANCE POINT STUDIOS
A nonprofit cultural and educational studio developing artists as thinkers, creators, and leaders.
Make. Teach. Share.
Balance Point Studios is building a community where people do more than learn to make art: they discover who they are becoming.
About
Before Balance Point Studios had a name it began with a question:
Who are you and why do you create what you make?
For 13 years, artists Ali and Donald Black, Jr. were building Balance Point Studios before they even knew they were building an organization. Along the way, they discovered something simple but powerful: Artistic growth and personal growth belong together.
Ali and Donald believe that when artists have the freedom to discover who they are and why they create, they develop more than their craft—they develop their voice, confidence, and capacity to lead.
Two passionate artists—Ali and Donald Black, Jr.—met, fell in love, and started building a life together centered around creativity and self-expression, all sparked by working at an after-school program. Ali invited Donald to work with her female students on an art project transferring images of famous Black women onto blue jeans. From there, the couple began working with other institutions (schools, libraries, churches, nonprofit organizations) as artists and art educators. They recognized institutions needed healthier solutions for working with youth, especially Black youth. Ali and Donald started creating solutions but were often ignored, stifling their creativity and producing frustration. So, they started working with youth apart from the institutions, and focused on a few key elements: (1) Encouraging students to be themselves (2) Supporting students on their personal journeys, and (3) Helping students develop as artists.
"Before people can fully express what they are meant to create, they must first discover who they are."
Simultaneously, Donald was sharing his insights on what helps an artist grow with Ali for her own practice as an artist. These insights would become the blueprint for the foundation of Balance Point Studios. They include the following: develop your gifts, study art & artists, question who you are, make things for no reason, learn from what you make, express what you discover, share what you make, grow from critique and repeat the process.
In 2023, Ali and Donald received their official nonprofit status for the organization. Balance Point Studios’ story is built from love, creativity, and truth. Today, Balance Point Studios is working to help developing artists experience pure freedom, which starts with discovering who you are and why you make what you make.
Whether you’re an artist looking for a place to grow, a partner who believes in the power of the arts, or someone who wants to invest in the next generation of creative leaders, there’s a place for you in this story.
Programs
About
Balance Point Studios is committed to serving underserved Black youth and young adults by creating culturally responsive, artist-led spaces where creativity, self-expression, and personal growth can thrive — while welcoming all individuals who share in that mission. We primarily serve the southeast side of Cleveland, OH.
We recognize that many Black youth and emerging adults possess extraordinary creativity, talent, and potential, yet may encounter barriers to accessing meaningful arts experiences, mentorship, wellness resources, and spaces where their identities and lived experiences are fully valued.
Our work centers young people and emerging creatives by providing environments where they can:
Discover and express their authentic voices
Explore identity, culture, and personal experience through creative practice
Build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness
Develop artistic skills alongside personal growth
Connect with mentors, peers, and supportive creative communities
Envision meaningful futures as artists, leaders, and changemakers
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Impact
Programs
Why Our Work Matters
Mental and Emotional Wellness — Creative expression provides a meaningful pathway for reflection, exploration, and personal growth. Individuals need supportive environments where they can process experiences, build confidence, and develop healthy ways to express themselves.
Belonging and Identity Development — People thrive when they feel seen, valued, and connected. For many, discovering their identity and understanding their unique story are essential steps toward building confidence and pursuing their goals.
Access to Meaningful Arts Experiences — Arts opportunities should be more than skill-building alone. Communities need creative experiences that encourage imagination, self-discovery, and authentic expression at every stage of the creative journey.
Support for Emerging Creatives — Aspiring artists often need more than technical instruction. They need mentorship, encouragement, and environments where they can develop their voice, understand their purpose, and envision sustainable creative futures.
Culturally Responsive, Artist-Led Spaces — Individuals benefit from learning and creating in spaces guided by artists who understand the creative process and value lived experience.
Balance Point Studios' Response
Balance Point Studios was created to meet this moment by integrating artistic development with personal growth. Through creative wellness programs, we help individuals discover their voices, strengthen their confidence, and recognize the potential within themselves and their communities.
We believe creativity is not simply something people do — it is something that helps people understand who they are, connect with others, and imagine what is possible.
Invitation to Collaborate & Support
We invite artists, community partners, and philanthropic supporters to join us in creating spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to purpose, belonging, and a more fulfilling life. To collaborate or fund our programming, reach out to us directly.
Contact
Help us grow what Cleveland's artists are building.
Every partnership - funding, in-kind, or a collaboration - extends Balance Point Studios' reach on the Southeast Side of Cleveland and beyond.