Arts + Culture
Cleveland's collection of world-class arts institutions would be a boon for a city of any size. For nearly a century the Cleveland Museum of Art has served as one of the finest galleries in all the land, recently made all the better thanks to a just-completed $350-million transformation. Rubbing shoulders with the museum for the past 100 years has been the Cleveland Orchestra, which delights fine-music fans at home-base Severance Hall. Toss in the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Institute of Music, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Public Theatre, Museum of Natural History, Cleveland International Film Festival, the Rock Hall, live-music clubs, and funky galleries too numerous to name, it is clear that art, indeed, lives here.
The 49th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF49) concluded with recognizing its award winners and exceptional independent filmmaking across various categories. The festival screened 300 feature and short films from 60 countries, distributed a total of $134,500 in cash prizes.
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) Library will reopen this Thursday after an 18-month closure from a September 2023 fire. Swift action by WRHS staff and collaboration with restoration experts Belfor Property Restoration and The Conservation Center allowed for a total restoration.
YMCA of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre are collaborating for the 26th year on the Y-Haven Theatre Project, which allows Y-Haven residents to share their stories of addiction, recovery, and hope in the upcoming original play, "Roots Through Ruin."
The 49th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF49) kicked off at Playhouse Square last Thursday, March 27.The 10-day festival features 300 films from 60 countries. Special events, workshops, and community engagement programs are also planned, with closing night events on Saturday, April 5.
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, joining an elite group of only 3% of U.S. museums to receive this recognition. The rigorous accreditation process highlights WRHS' commitment to excellence in education, collection stewardship, and community engagement.
A group of 10 teenage designers recently participated in a graphic design clinic as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' "Bigger than Basketball" initiative. The students designed warm-up shirts worn by the Cleveland Charge, the NBA G League affiliate of the Cavs, during their final home game of the season.
The Cleveland Foundation announced the finalists in the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards for the first time in its 90-year history. Ten books addressing racism and cultural diversity have been selected in four categories. The winners will be revealed in April, with additional celebrations planned for Cleveland Book Week in the fall.
Canalway's annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade brought together more than 300 participants to welcome spring and bid farewell to winter. The event featured creative lanterns made by community members and commissioned works by 11 local artists—all using upcycled materials.
Canalway is hosting its annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade tonight, Saturday, March 8, at 6:30 p.m. at Sokolowski’s Overlook. The eco-friendly celebration features lanterns created by local artists using repurposed materials, highlighting themes of creativity, sustainability, and welcoming spring along the Cuyahoga River.
With a diverse background, BAYarts' new executive director Elizabeth "Beth" Milli says she wants to make art more accessible and welcoming to the community and engage younger residents while also overseeing the Huntington Playhouse restoration.
Lake Erie Ink's 13th annual Kids' Comic Con occurs this weekend at moCa and the Cleveland Museum of Art Community Arts Center at the Pivot Center. The two-day event offers young artists and storytellers an immersive experience in comic creation and artistic expression with workshops, guest artists, an Artists' Alley, and activities.
Another brilliant day of music, creativity, community, and fire is in the books as #BriteWinter2025 wraps up its Sweet 16th year. Photographer Shawn Brewster recaps the memorable event this photo essay.
Brite Winter, Cleveland's annual winter festival, returns for its 16th year with a new location on the East Bank of the Flats. This weekend's event features nearly 30 musical acts, art installations, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. With a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, Brite Winter brings the community together around the fire during Cleveland's coldest months!
The Shaker Arts Council (SHAC) is launching its annual Painting the Town project, a public art initiative that transforms utility boxes into vibrant artworks along Shaker Heights streets.
Ghost signs, faded hand-painted advertisements from the 19th and early 20th centuries, can be found throughout America, including Cleveland. Photographer Jeff Christner shares some his favorite relics of a bygone era.
The Cleveland Botanical Garden's annual flower show, Orchids: Love in Bloom, returns on February 14. Featuring more than 3,000 blooms in romantic displays, the show offers an immersive and educational experience that includes special events and classes.
"Out of the Picture," a documentary exploring the future of art criticism, will make its Cleveland premiere at the Cinematheque this weekend. Directed by Mary Louise Schumacher, the film follows art critics as they navigate the changes in the art and media landscape. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Schumacher and former Plain Dealer art critic Steven Litt.
A 750-foot mural—one of the largest murals in Ohio—reflects the culture and history of Cleveland's Woodhill neighborhood as part of the Elevate The East public art plan.
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is hosting Winter Toyland, a holiday exhibition featuring the HollyDays miniature village. Other attractions include the Euclid Beach Park Carousel, the historic Hay-McKinney Mansion, decked out in holiday decor, and several ongoing exhibits—all included with admission.
The BorderLight Theatre Festival—the four-day event that pushes creative boundaries and celebrate diversity—will return to Playhouse Square from July 16 through 19. Right now, the BorderLight has opened its call for artists, with applications due by the end of January.