President’s Welcome

Thank you for sharing and spreading the love of the Cleveland Institute of Art! As you may have seen on our social media channels and emails in February, we launched the #ForTheLoveOfCIA initiative, and I can’t express how happy it made me to read and watch the 200+ comments and video posts, and learn why you love CIA too! Key themes we heard were community, creativity and the passion for our students. This outpouring of love was also accompanied by a giving challenge, and I thank all of our new donors for your support.

But, sometimes you have to fight for the things you love. I recently returned from a lobbying trip in Washington, D.C. to advocate to Congress for a number of bipartisan issues, including the importance of financial aid and doubling the Pell grant; the impact of the creative economy; and the value of higher education—especially in private, nonprofit institutions like CIA.

We know that a college education brings greater long-term monetary gains, but it also has been shown to improve health and well-being, increase civic engagement, and close equity and attainment gaps. Together, we continue to stand for building an inclusive system of higher education that supports upward mobility.

We know that many of our students wouldn’t have access to an education at CIA without the support of federal Pell grants, and we also know that the arts-and-design sector makes significant contributions to our economy. We are especially proud that CIA graduates are not only thriving in their careers, but also making an impact on their communities.

Here’s What’s Going On!

Risk + Discovery

Fifty years after the program’s humble beginnings, Risk + Discovery: Glass Innovation at CIA will celebrate glass in all its forms. Opens April 6 in Reinberger Gallery. cia.edu/exhibitions

2023 Spring Show

Celebrate with us as CIA unveils some of the best work created by students of all levels working across all majors. On view April 25–28; Runway Show on April 25. cia.edu/events

Lunch on Fridays

Learn about the latest in art and design during Lunch on Fridays. Remaining Spring 2023 semester lectures are scheduled for March 24, April 7 and April 21. cia.edu/lof

2023 BFA Exhibition

Every year, CIA seniors pour themselves into their capstone projects. Get a closer look at their work by attending this year’s BFA Celebration + Exhibition May 12–13. cia.edu/events

Speaking of having an impact, I was moved by the body of work in In Our Skin, the inaugural Black History Month exhibition by CIA’s Black Scholars and Artists student club. It was an important and empowering moment for the participating students—and a few recent alumni— to come together and showcase their talents. I was particularly inspired by Drawing sophomore Jazzee Rozier’s remarks during the opening reception in the Alan Lipson Gallery. The sense of belonging at CIA she said emerged through In Our Skin was uplifting—and something I hope all our students experience in ways meaningful to them during their time here.

Warmly,

Kathryn J. Heidemann President + CEO

Presidential Listening Tour

President + CEO Kathryn J. Heidemann will host several events this spring and summer to connect with CIA alumni. Watch your inbox for additional information. She hopes to see you there!

• March 12: New York City

• March 16: Cincinnati

• April 12: Chicago

• June 8: Detroit

Questions about attending can be sent to alumni@cia.edu