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I Invest In Creative Innovation

A student is welding. You can see sparks flying off the piece they are working on.

Your support changes the lives of our students.

A student is talking with a visitor during spring show. Their presentation and work is displayed behind them. They are wearing business casual.

Picture of a group of students from the Latin club at a party, standing at a table.

The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) is dedicated to cultivating creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design.

Today, we have a strong and vibrant college designed to build confidence and elevate the creative processes of our students. We deliver an education through which students learn to appreciate and evaluate the world; apply a range of material and digital practices to their work; and find themselves through a solid art, design and liberal arts education. We know we can—and need—to dream bigger, which is why we are in the midst of a $35 million Transformation Campaign.

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Explore our five mission-defining impact areas below!

Transforming Technology + Innovation

A 21st century education in art and design requires innovative programs, state-of-the art technologies and collaborative learning spaces. The Interactive Media Lab will provide that and more by combining CIA’s academic programs with an incubator that and more by combining to build business capacity using augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence within the context of art and design. It will put CIA at Northeast Ohio’s new intersection of innovation, where students and startups will engage in artist- and designer-driven discourse and development.

Explore the Interactive Media Lab

A student is showing off their work at spring show 2024.

Transforming Student Access + Success

Ensuring the affordability and accessibility of CIA’s word-class education for all deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances, is a top priority. More and more CIA applicants apply for financial assistance and demonstrate need. CIA struggles to meet students’ financial needs but we must rise to the occasion.

Once a student is at CIA, we must also help them succeed in and out of the classroom. With more robust support for scholarships, CIA will be better positioned to attract and retain talented students and help them pursue their creative passions.

Transforming Community

The concept of social practice is at the heart of a CIA education and imperative to our commitment to neighboring communities. As we expand and amplify our Engaged Practice community-based partnerships and Creativity Works entrepreneurial internship program, we aim to add tracks for socially engaged art and civic design to our Pre-College program and Young Artist classes.

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.

Transforming Teaching + Learning

The newly founded Jane B. Nord Center for Teaching + Learning bolsters our ongoing efforts to ensure CIA’s curriculum and teaching methodology are inclusive, socially responsible and continuously improved. CIA wouldn’t be where it is today without dedicated and historically significant educators. Attracting top teaching talent is only the first step. Once at CIA, it’s important to support their development and enhance their skills in teaching, instructional design, learning assessment and whole student support.

The director of the library is giving a presentation in the main hub.

Transforming Campus

In order to attract and retain our students, we must ensure that our facilities meet the students’ needs today and tomorrow. The Jessica R. Gund Library is a fantastic resource for students. By turning the library into a learning commons where access to materials and student support are the highest priority, we are investing in student success.

Community Experience

Derek Walker is standing in front of his work.

The kindness of alumni and friends of the college to create these scholarships is truly remarkable. Their support has enabled me to focus on my education and hone my skills in the studio, rather than worrying about how to pay for the next semester. I am eternally grateful.

— Derek Walker ’23

The IML is a critical ‘connective tissue’ initiative that will use immersive technologies across all majors to connect with industry and community. Incorporating course delivery and research with virtual/extended reality will redefine the physical teaching environment and change the way we see, ideate and experience. It’s CIA’s duty to offer such opportunities.

— Greg Watts, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Studies have shown that students who live on campus tend to be more successful in college.
They are places where significant learning takes place, and they support the kind of learners students will be in the classroom. It’s where leaders are born and molded and where misconceptions and erroneous ideologies may be changed forever.

— Matthew Smith, PhD, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

Being in contact with others and the world around you often allows for one’s art-based response to be rooted in shared experiences, where contact and relationship are held in high regard. Having an opportunity for your art to be enmeshed in the larger community provides an alternative view of the artist’s journey.

— Orlando Caraballo ’18

The Jane B. Nord Center for Teaching + Learning’s programming provides support to develop teaching practices that build learning, engagement and students’ sense of belonging. Thanks to the Nord Center, I’m building small, effective changes into the classroom that increase learning. Just as importantly, the Nord Center creates opportunities to listen and learn from colleagues and students.

— Alyssa Perry, Visual Arts Lecturer

A top view in the Peter B. Lewis. The crowd is mostly full and there is a panel on the stage talking before a film premiere.

Watch Films at the Cinematheque

A student is talking to a potential employer behind a table at the career fair.

Hire Student & Alumni Talent

A student is using her hands to work in clay in the ceramics studio. In the background are more students doing the same out of focus.

Take Continuing Education Classes

The Creativity Works 2022 group is standing and smiling together.

Give to Support Aspiring Artists + Designers