News

In the wake of two highly publicized incidents in which city and state government officials closed down receptions at a Cleveland art gallery, CIA President Grafton Nunes has called for the city to adopt a formal cultural policy and high-level personnel to support arts and culture organizations.

Nunes was one of six arts advocates interviewed by Plain Dealer art and architecture critic Steven Litt for the article, which was posted on Cleveland.com on May 29.

Both recent incidents occurred at a gallery owned by 1998 CIA grad Loren Naji. State liquor inspectors shut down an opening Naji hosted on May 2 because he lacked a permit to serve alcohol. On May 23, the Cleveland Fire Department shut down an alcohol-free reception because Naji lacked an occupancy permit.

The extensive Plain Dealer article quotes Nunes as saying, "Ultimately, it's about how are we going to effectively coordinate the development and the success of art and culture in this city, and that's a broad conversation."

Read the full story here.