Empowering people through the arts. It’s something that resonates with every single soul on this planet. From the music we listen to, to the paintings that adorn our walls, and even the books we read – art is a part of who we are.
And Cleveland knows this. Cleveland breathes this. The Land is committed to empowering people through advocacy, activism, education, and resources to promote arts and culture. It’s what we do, it’s what we’re known for, and it’s why we’re so excited for the upcoming Summer of Arts in 2022, powered by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
This summer will be one for the history books — from the history and educational classes offered at the Beck Center and Piano Cleveland to the dazzling array of performing arts at Playhouse Square, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s just a taste of what you can expect this summer in the Land.
History and Education
So, what’s in store? Well, first off – history and educational opportunities. As mentioned above, the Beck Center and Piano Cleveland both have incredible offerings that are perfect for those who want to learn more about the arts.
The Beck Center offers over 780 classes for all ages that vary in focus, from painting and drawing to photography and even dance. And for those who want to learn about the music scene in Cleveland, Piano Cleveland will be offering classes on everything from jazz history to piano performance.
Then there’s the Great Lakes Science Center, a runner-up in the USA today 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award for Best Science Museum. This excellent museum is home to NASA Glenn Visitor Center, hands-on exhibits, and even a dome theater. Perfect for a rainy day or two.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
But the educational opportunities don’t stop there. Greater Cleveland Aquarium will be open all summer long, and they have some incredible programming planned.
Have you ever seen a sea star’s tiny tube feet in action? Counted the suckers on an octopus arm? Noticed a blue poison dart frog’s heart-shaped toes? Stood under a sand tiger shark? Witnessed a… Well, you get the idea. The point is, it’s going to be an incredible experience for all who visit.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium is home to over 2,700 animals that represent 320 species. Seven galleries offer unique opportunities to view animals from the Great Lakes, Ohio rivers, and even the Amazon rainforest. They have something for everyone, so don’t fin-ish your visit without checking it out!
Did you sea what we did there?
Alright, enough with the puns—there’s still a bunch more to cover.
Cleveland’s Dazzling Performing Arts
If you’re looking for a more high-energy experience, look no further than Cleveland’s world-renowned performing arts scene. From the incredible ballet to the awe-inspiring orchestra, you can’t art-iculate the experience without attending. (That was the last pun, we promise).
Let’s kick things off with the Cleveland Ballet.
Cleveland Ballet
Ballet in Cleveland is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The level of talent and skill on display is truly breathtaking, and the productions are always top-notch. During the 2022-23 season, the Cleveland Ballet presents world-class ballet with a distinctly Cleveland flavor.
Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are both scheduled for autumn 2022, and we couldn’t be more excited. These classical ballets are staples of the art form, and there’s no better place to see them than Cleveland.
Check out the Cleveland Ballet website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Cleveland Orchestra
Ballet isn’t the only performing art on offer in Cleveland. There’s another type of performing art, and it came to life in Cleveland back in 1918. You heard us right – the Cleveland Orchestra is celebrating its 104th season this year, making it one of the longest-running orchestras in the country. And they’re not showing any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
As one of the “Big Five” American orchestras, the Cleveland Orchestra is world-renowned for its incredible performances. This summer, we’re all in for a real treat with their 2022 Blossom Music Festival, hosted at the Blossom Music Center.
For more information on the Cleveland Orchestra and the Blossom Music Festival, head to their website.
Playhouse Square
The Playhouse Square isn’t just a performing arts center, it’s a destination. Located in downtown Cleveland, Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center outside of New York City. And it’s home to some of the country’s best theater, dance, and music performances.
This summer, Playhouse Square will be host to a wide variety of shows and events, from Award-winning musicals like AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS and Disney’s FROZEN. This is a place where dreams are encouraged, no matter what your age, where you come from, or what your experience level is.
The steward of its vibrant downtown district — you can’t visit Cleveland without stopping by Playhouse Square. For a full list of events and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
LatinUS
And finally, we have LatinUS. This incredible organization is devoted to celebrating and promoting Latin arts and culture in Cleveland.
The LatinUs Theater Company is producing La Siempreviva, a Colombian play that tells the tale of the Palace of Justice’s seizure by the terrorist organization M-19.
Following two days of combat, hundreds of deaths, and eleven missing— the truth about the events that occurred remains an enigma to this day, providing the perfect fodder for this edge-of-your-seat thriller.
This is just one of the many events LatinUS has planned for the summer. For more information on La Siempreviva and other upcoming events, check out their website.
Committed to a Thriving Arts and Culture Community
At the beginning of this article, we talked about empowering people through the arts. We mentioned the importance of advocacy, activism, education, and resources in promoting arts and culture. And that’s where Assembly for the Arts comes in.
The mission of Assembly for the Arts is to convene, coordinate, and collaborate with everyone who lives and works in Greater Cleveland to strengthen and support those in the region who create, present, experience and appreciate all forms of arts and culture.
Supporting local artists, promoting the arts in education, and fighting for arts and culture funding are just a few of the ways the Assembly for the Arts is committed to a thriving arts and culture community in Cleveland.
If you’re planning to visit Cleveland this summer, or if you’re a local looking to get involved, you’re in for the time of your life. Check out the Assembly for the Arts website to learn more about what they do and how you can help.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Cleveland’s 2022 Summer of Arts is shaping up to be an incredible event. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or a theater aficionado, there’s something for everyone.
We can’t wait to see what the next few months have in store.
Stay tuned — hoping to see you all there!
