Overview
Cleveland Public Art, an independent, nonprofit organization, works to improve public spaces through art and design. CPA is Ohio's premier organization for the identification and evaluation of public art opportunities, bringing expertise to the selection of artists and the implementation of public art projects. CPA places art on Cleveland's streets, and in neighborhoods and green spaces, making it accessible to the entire community and part of everyday life.
CPA works to educate Cleveland audiences about community reinvention and place-making through art. CPA believes that art in the community can attract residents and is essential for building healthier and safer neighborhoods. CPA also believes that a strong public art program can help attract investment and be the impetus for economic development. By actively engaging the Cleveland community, CPA works to enhance the quality of life in Cleveland.
Our Mission
Cleveland Public Art is dedicated to improving the quality of life and enhancing the economic competitiveness of Cleveland and its surrounding communities through the highest quality, site-specific public art and creative urban design. By actively engaging the public, designers, artists and decision makers, we work collaboratively to create unique places that revitalize neighborhoods and transform the way people see and experience the city.
Cleveland Public Art Project and Program Areas
Commissioned Works
CPA commissions projects in familiar and underused spaces throughout the City of Cleveland to provide its residents with access to both temporary and permanent works of art. Commissioning works by both emerging and established artists elevates Cleveland's reputation as a community that supports the roles artists play in shaping the urban landscape.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Community Planning
CPA engages community leaders, citizens, artists, and designers to create public art and design projects that contribute to the community and economic development agendas of Cleveland's diverse neighborhoods. CPA is working to create unique public places that enhance neighborhoods and the city as a whole. Each project reflects the neighborhood in which it is located, allowing CPA to have impact throughout the city
Education, Outreach, & Advocacy
CPA is an advocate for art and design in Cleveland. Through public forums, lectures, exhibitions, charrettes, tours, publications, and workshops, CPA builds a constituency that is supportive of the importance of quality art and design as shaping forces in our city.
CPA provides educational programming and technical assistance to our partners and regional artists. Through workshops we work to provide artists with the knowledge necessary to take on work in the realm of public art.
Civic Projects
Building Cleveland by Design (BCbD) is a partnership between CPA and ParkWorks. The goal of the program is to harness the expertise of designated nonprofit partners and other institutional resources in the region to improve the quality and economic viability of development in Cleveland, so that the highest level of thinking with respect to green building, open space planning, architecture, design, and public art is incorporated. BCbD will introduce enhanced standards of design and sustainable building practices to civic projects. For more information on Building Cleveland by Design, go to www.buildingcleveland.org.
Consulting
CPA is sought out by nonprofits, government agencies, and private developers to advise on projects.
CPA has provided public art consulting services to many of the city's most high-profile civic investments including the RTA's Euclid Corridor project, Gateway Sports complex, and Cleveland Public Library's Downtown Expansion.
CPA's services include:
- Public art master-planning
- Design competitions
- Commissioning artists, designers, and architects
- Facilitation of community forums
- Fabrication oversight and technical consultation
- Skilled project management
We frequently give lectures, serve on panels, make referrals from our artist database, and coordinate artist selection processes for organizations throughout Cleveland.
