2021 Commencement

In the interest of health and safety, Commencement was virtual for a second year. A pre-recorded broadcast premiered on Friday, May 14 at 8:30pm ET.

2021 Commencement

Friday, May 14, 8:30pm ET

Parents, family, and friends of the Class of 2021 joined the Cleveland Institute of Art for our Commencement on Friday, May 14, at 8:30pm ET. During this virtual ceremony, each student's name was called and recognized by their department chairperson.

The Commencement ceremony was available at this page as well as premiered on CIA's Facebook page.

Our Commencement speakers were world-renowned producers, directors and writers Anthony Russo, Joe Russo and Angela Russo-Otstot. CIA recently awarded Honorary Doctor of Art degrees to the Russos for the contributions to film, television and their native Cleveland.

The Student Commencement speaker was Maeve Billings, Painting major, and the President’s Traveling Scholarship award recipients were announced during the ceremony.

CIA created #ciagrad2021 for seniors to use to share photos and posts on social media to commemorate their time at CIA.

View photos from 2021 Commencement:

2021 Commencement Cap/Gown portraits
2021 Commencement Cap/Gown photos with balloons
2021 BFA Celebration Drive-In event

CIA welcomes Anthony and Joe Russo and Angela Russo-Otstot as Commencement speakers

Feature Story

CIA welcomes Anthony and Joe Russo and Angela Russo-Otstot as Commencement speakers

For more information:

Registar's Office
216.421.7321 | Contact

2021 Commencement communications

March 19 email to CIA community

March 30 email to seniors

2021 Commencement details

Key dates and details on commencement programming can be found in one place.

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