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Interactive Media Lab

The front corner of the Midtown Collaboration Building. This is the prominent feature of CIA's IML. There are two orange CIA signs outside the building.

I design the future in 14,297 square feet of technology, innovation and collaboration.

Professor Dan Cuffaro is reviewing a design with a student on his laptop. The laptop is sitting on top of a quick prototype machine as they are preparing to print.

Opening in Spring 2025

Imagine animating in an extended reality (XR) studio or testing your video game concept in an in-house arcade. Now envision creating product prototypes using augmented reality (AR) or customizing vehicle designs in a virtual reality (VR) environment.

These opportunities—and many others, including yours—will come to life in our Interactive Media Lab (IML).

You’ll use leading-edge technology. You’ll learn from industry leaders and collaborate with community professionals. Most importantly, you’ll achieve your artistic or entrepreneurial vision in the IML.

This is what the future of art and design looks like. It’s your future. Welcome to CIA.

Explore the IML Virtually

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

CIA’s Interactive Media Lab is a game-changer for Cleveland. The scope, technology, impact and public accessibility of this project will make the IML the only facility of its kind in the State of Ohio. You can invest in students’ futures, transform creativity and drive innovation in Cleveland by supporting the IML.

Support the IML

Virtual Production studio

How would you like to work in a studio like the one used to produce the Star Wars TV series The Mandalorian? This space has a huge, 36-foot LED wall and 26-foot inlaid LED floor that seamlessly integrate to build incredible visuals. This state-of-the-art studio will be one of only a handful of XR studios in Ohio.

A student is wearing a virtual reality headset and using handhelds. They are in a classroom with peers. The peers are observing them and seeing what they see on the screen behind them.

Other Spaces

The Interactive Media Lab is for All

Clevelanders of all ages will learn, create and play in the IML. They’ll use many of the same cutting-edge XR, AR and VR technologies as CIA students. They’ll also engage in innovative programs and participate in free community events. CIA embraces its role as a community partner.

The IML is also a hub for industry professionals. Catalytic partnerships fostered in the IML will create jobs and raise Cleveland’s profile as a center of innovation and entrepreneurship. The IML will be open to industry partners for space rentals, equipment rentals, training, guided experiences and consulting—and most importantly, it will be open to new ideas and new ways of doing business.

Contact

For inquires about the IML:
Matthew McKenna
mkmckenna@cia.edu

To support the IML:
Malou Monago
mlmonago@cia.edu

News + Media

See more news

A CIA employee operates a camera while two other employees stand in front of a large screen in the XR Studio.

Cleveland Institute of Art hopes $13M media lab sparks creative, business growth

June 4, 2025

The IML is positioned to become both a teaching facility and a creative hub for the region, serving as a “welcome mat” to collaborate with CIA on new, novel technologies.

A digital black and white rendering of our new XR studio. It displays the huge LED backdrop and inlaid, along with cameras, lighting and other equipment.

Cleveland Institute of Art’s new Interactive Media Lab aims to position school at forefront of art, design and tech

January 1, 2025

Recognizing the increasing overlap between art, design and technology, the lab aims to position CIA at the forefront of these fields, offering students cutting-edge tools while forging partnerships with like-minded organizations and the community.

Cleveland Institute of Art announces $35 million Transformation Campaign

November 6, 2024

Comprehensive campaign will significantly support five impact areas that bolster the College's mission and drive its academic offerings in art and design; $27 million in gifts and commitments already secured

A collage of headshots of Kathryn J. Heidemann, Steven Gutierrez, Kipum Lee, Jennifer van Dijk and Irina Zavatski.

Cleveland Institute of Art to host panel that explores technology's role in art, design and the creative economy

October 18, 2024

Industry leaders will offer their perspective in advance of the opening of CIA's Interactive Media Lab and as the College launches the public phase of its Transformation Campaign.

Cleveland Institute of Art student's mural selected for Cleveland Foundation's MidTown Collaboration Center

June 15, 2023

Aniyah King’s “Growth From Within,” will be installed at the Cleveland Foundation’s MidTown Collaboration Center when it opens in 2025.

Bendis represents CIA, Interactive Media Lab on global stage

June 12, 2023

Jared Bendis ’04 is no stranger to innovation, and in February, the Cleveland Institute of Art’s chair of Game Design took his expertise to the LEAP Tech Conference in Saudi Arabia—putting him, CIA and the city of Cleveland on an international stage.