About Us

The Cleveland Institute of Art is one of the nation's leading accredited independent colleges of art and design. Since 1882, the college has been an educational cornerstone in Cleveland, Ohio, producing graduates competitive as studio artists, designers, photographers, contemporary craftsmen, and educators.

With approximately 600 students, CIA offers a personal educational experience with the benefits of a larger institution. Students choose from 13 majors and live and work in Cleveland’s University Circle, one of the country’s most unique cultural centers – recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of the ten prettiest communities in the country.  

CIA’s Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

CIA’s mission is to cultivate creative leaders who inspire people, strengthen communities and contribute to a thriving and sustainable economy through an innovative education in art and design.

Vision

The global community is engaged and enriched by art and design.

Values

Accessibility
We believe in proactively removing barriers to provide students, employees and the public a welcoming and life enriching experience with our world-class art and design college.

Creativity
We believe in building the confidence and elevating the creative processes of our students as they explore the relationship of art and design to our culture, economy and society, and experience the world.

Excellence
We believe all students deserve a premier education where they learn to appreciate and evaluate the world and apply a range of material and digital practices in a confident, accomplished and sophisticated way.

Inclusivity
We believe our academic and campus environment—from our classrooms and studios to our residence halls, institutional policies and procedures, galleries, and public spaces—must reflect our society and encourage just, equitable and expansive access and opportunity for all students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors.

Individuality
We believe in helping our students find themselves through art, design and liberal arts education, planning their own professional paths to transform the world that draw on their creative, critical thinking, communication and resiliency skills.

Investment
We believe in providing our students, faculty and staff with the resources they need for professional development by supporting established and unconventional approaches to teaching, learning and entrepreneurship.

Responsibility
We believe our students must learn to be civically and socially aware, entering the world equipped to engage in a multicultural society and committed to contribute to the public good.

Stewardship
We believe in building a strong organization for the future that is structurally and financially secure and consistently adaptable while remaining true to its vision and mission.

Transparency
We believe in fostering a collaborative community built on open communication, honesty and trust.

Wellness
We believe in supporting the educational, mental, emotional and physical health of our students, faculty and staff for lifelong success in their professional and personal endeavors. 

Vision/mission/values approved March 10, 2020
Action plan approved June 2, 2020