We explored the ways that people connect to the arts and those around them by asking questions about how they relate to arts and culture, where they go to experience arts and culture, and what they would like to see in the future.
PARTNER SITE:
Care Alliance Health Center – Central Neighborhood Clinic
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Central, Cleveland
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
August 24, 2016
On Wednesday, August 24th, 2016, a group of more than thirty residents gathered to talk about the arts and culture in their lives, and what they want to see in the Central neighborhood of Cleveland.
KEY THEMES
- Residents frequently identified a lack of resources available in their community – in regards to arts and cultural opportunities along with other resources as well. Residents expressed the need for support to help support Marion Sterling Elementary, the Cedar High Rise building, and the Sterling Branch Library.
- Accessibility was an underlying theme in Central, which responds to the need for more resources. Many participants discussed the lack of accessible arts programming, events and opportunities in Central. When asked to further explain as a group they expressed a desire for more classes to explore various forms of art for all ages. Since Central lacks many of these opportunities, residents expressed they would need to leave the neighborhood to access these types of programs. This presents other challenges for residents due to transportation and money.
- Residents in Central wanted to see more youth engagement and involvement from local arts organizations. They expressed the desire to get youth involved and active so they are not bored or in the streets where they may run into trouble. Being able to expose youth to creative and critical thinking at an early age was important to them.
- Spirituality was also important to many residents when it came to discussing personal expression and external beauty. Dialogue amongst residents showed a strong connection to their spiritual and religious identification and values.
PARTNER SITE:
North Union Farmer’s Market, Chagrin Falls
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Chagrin Falls
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
August 28, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
Esperanza Inc.
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Clark-Fulton, Cleveland
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
September 30, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
FutureHeights and Reaching Heights
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Cleveland Heights
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
August 29, 2016
On Monday, August 29, 2016, a diverse group of residents and community stakeholders gathered at Future Heights in Cleveland Heights. This group of residents desired most to connect with others and express their creativity.
KEY THEMES
- Walkability was an important theme in Cleveland Heights, because the neighborhood has a number of popular outdoor retail, restaurant, and cultural venues. These areas are important assets to the residents of Cleveland Heights and they feel makes the city a more desirable place to live, work and visit.
- Safety and beautification came up as a concern for some residents because of the need to feel safe to be able to create and engage other residents and build community. Some residents asked, “What creates a feeling of safety?” For many, beautification, like streetscapes, landscaping and gardens were a factor.
- Another underlying theme was place. Many residents felt that they weren’t connected with all that Cleveland Heights has to offer. They feel that the city has a fairly strong core of economic stability but it is not secure and feel they may be reaching a tipping point. Connecting those resources across the city is important to them.
- The importance education came up various times in conversation whether it had to do with fostering education through and/or around arts and culture. Education in all its forms is an important theme to these residents.
- Cooking and Recipes was another topic discussed throughout the night with this group. Cooking allows residents to connect with each other, celebrate culture and eat together with family.
PARTNER SITE:
MyPath Youth Event, Metroparks CanalWay Center
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Cuyahoga Heights
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
August 1, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
Detroit Shoreway Community Development
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Detroit Shoreway, Cleveland
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
August 16, 2016
On Tuesday, August 16, 2016, a group of residents from Gordon Square and the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood gathered to discuss the arts and culture in their community and their lives.
KEY THEMES
- Meals and cooking were frequently cited as a way to celebrate heritage and culture. Many participants discussed how they would cook with family members to share recipes, traditions, and family legacy. Cooking and sharing meals was also a way to spend time with close family and friends. A few participants expressed that they greatly enjoy going to festivals and events where they can experience food and traditions outside of their own culture.
- Accessibility was another pronounced theme. Many participants discussed that despite being a cultural community, there is a lack of accessible arts programming and events in Detroit Shoreway. When asked to further explain as a group they said that they would like the large arts institutions to come down to the community and neighborhood level more often. They expressed that many of the events and opportunities aren’t open to everyone due to mainly affordability and timing.
- Residents want more youth engagement and involvement from local arts organizations. They expressed the desire to get youth involved and active so they are not bored and in the streets where they may run into trouble. Being able to teach youth expression and creative thinking at an early age was important to them.
- Celebrating architecture and historical knowledge of their neighborhood and city. There are many old churches, buildings and stories they want to preserve and open to the community for cross-cultural exchange.
- Music, singing and dancing with family and as a cultural tradition was very important. Music came up over and over again for this group: listening, dancing and singing. Many people discussed how they dance and sing with their families when they come together.
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Downtown Cleveland
PARTNER SITE:
Public Square
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
Star Spangled Spectacular | July 29, 2016
PARTNER SITE:
Voinovich Park
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
Latino Festival and Puerto Rican Parade | August 28, 2016
PARTNER SITE:
Men’s Shelter, Lakeside Ave.
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
Serving Dinner | August 11, 2017
PARTNER SITE:
Progressive Field
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
Indians Game | August 21, 2016
PARTNER SITE:
E. 21st and Rockwell Ave.
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
Night Market | August 26, 2016
PARTNER SITE:
Men’s Shelter, Lakeside Ave.
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
Serving Dinner | September 8, 2017
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
PNC Fairfax Connection
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Fairfax, Cleveland
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
September 13, 2016
On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, a group of Fairfax neighbors gathered to talk about arts and culture in their community and in their lives.
KEY THEMES
- Economic pressure of financial hardship was the most prevalent theme in Fairfax. Most of the conversation continued to come back to the fact that most of the participants were navigating instable incomes, transportation, employment, childcare, health concerns and familial challenges. Many residents expressed that resources and opportunities in Fairfax continue to disappear – pools, recreation centers, basketball courts, etc.
- Differences in race and class was brought up by a number of residents. Certain residents felt as if there were few places in the community that represented the African-American experience or art and culture. Residents also expressed that certain structures reinforce these differences. There were a number of artists in the room that felt as if they could be more successful and find more opportunity in other cities.
- The theme of access came up again in this neighborhood. Fairfax is a neighbor of University Circle. University Circle is where majority of the largest art and cultural institutions are housed in Cleveland. Even though they are within a few miles in actual proximity there are many barriers. Some that were expressed were the financial costs to participate, parking, transportation access and lack of desire to go. When asked, “Why don’t you desire to go?” some residents expressed that they did not desire to go because they didn’t feel like it was a resource for them to truly take advantage of.
- Even though our conversations were motivated around immediate needs of participants many still want to be connected to the arts. Most participants expressed a deep desire to take classes and go to cultural events and performances. However, they do not feel that any are offered in their neighborhood – beyond Karamu House. They feel that they need to go outside of Fairfax to find anything of value when it comes to arts and cultural opportunities.
PARTNER SITE:
Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Kamm’s Corners, Cleveland
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
August 23, 2016
On Tuesday, August 23, 2016, residents of Kamm’s Corners neighborhood of Cleveland gathered to discuss what is meaningful to them, what they do, and what they would like to see in their community, as it relates to arts and culture.
KEY THEMES
- Accessibility was a theme in Kamm’s Corners. Many participants expressed they felt there is a lack of accessible arts programming and events in Kamm’s Corners. They expressed if there were many opportunities, they weren’t for residents. The group expressed that they would like to see a space for artists to gather and create together. Residents expressed a noted division in the neighborhood between upper and lower Kamm’s Corners, which shapes how residents experience and access arts and culture.
- Residents discussed “place” in relation to the desire to build a stronger neighborhood and would love to see arts and culture support this revitalization. They want Kamm’s to be a place that people come and visit, explore and spend their money. They want their neighborhood to be a place where people want to move, raise families and build a life.
- To expand on the idea of place residents also discussed economic development in relation to arts and culture. They discussed their newly appointed business improvement district as an opportunity to help improve economic and community development in the neighborhood. There was a sense of hope that this could add to creation of jobs through the arts and offering space to artist for studios and galleries to help compliment the addition of more retail and food options in Kamm’s Corners.
- Events were another popular topic. Residents felt that there are some arts and cultural events offered but there could be more, especially for children. They could see more popular events the neighborhood had to offer the more people would visit and see what Kamm’s has to offer.
- Food and cooking was discussed as a common facilitator of connection in Kamm’s. Cooking allows residents to celebrate culture and be creative along with eating together as a form of connecting with others.
PARTNER SITE:
Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church Hunger Center
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Lee-Harvard, Cleveland
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
September 26, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
Maple Heights Mayor’s Office
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Maple Heights
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
September 15, 2016
On Thursday, September 15, 2016, a engaged group of Maple Heights residents came together to have a positive and inspiring conversation about arts and culture, and the future of the Maple Heights community.
KEY THEMES
- There is a great deal of work being done to revive the city from its challenge of economic hardship and the city and residents are engaged in the process. They feel that arts and culture are an important piece to not only uplift the city but help it restore its economic vitality.
- Spirituality and religion was one of the most prevalent themes among Maple Heights. Many, but not all, were very vocal about their faith and how they live out their values in community. From the discussion in the room there seem to be a number of churches taking on the role of providing social services and arts and cultural programming to the community. The idea of resourcefulness and provision for other residents in need was also a complimentary reoccurring theme. The idea for caring for and sharing with others was a major thread of conversations throughout the evening.
- Residents had a great deal of energy to connect with others and take collective action. Just at this session alone many residents were connecting to think of ways to collaborate on different projects and programs.
- Extracurricular activities also seemed to have a great deal of importance to residents. Activities at church, the schools, libraries, etc. all came up as things that they liked to be engaged in. Activities such as sporting events and teams, art classes, festivals, clambakes and community gatherings were more of what residents would like to see.
PARTNER SITE:
South of Lorain Block Club at the Breen Center
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Ohio City, Cleveland
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
September 6, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Parma
PARTNER SITE:
Parma-Snow Branch Library, Snow Rd.
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
August 22, 2016
PARTNER SITE:
Parma Branch Library, Powers Blvd.
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
September 19, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
Family Unity in the Park at Luke Easter Park
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Shaker-Buckeye, Cleveland
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
July 30, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
Golden Ciphers Youth Development and Cultural Arts Center
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Slavic Village, Cleveland
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
August 31, 2016
On Wednesday, August 31, 2016, residents of Slavic Village and surrounding neighborhoods gathered at Golden Ciphers to talk about the arts and culture in their lives. A majority of the participants were youth.
KEY THEMES
- Health and wholeness of individuals was a prominent theme that was discussed in Slavic Village. Many residents talked about the desire to help themselves or others achieve their dreams or potential. Participants referenced participating in groups or events that relate to this theme for many years, such as storytelling, women’s circles, leadership development, and community building.
- The importance of cultural traditions came up a great deal within this group. Majority of participants don’t feel that there is support for cultural activities that residents feel are critical to the health of the community and its residents. Many expressed that fostering and focusing on creativity and cultural traditions could greatly improve the neighborhood and community.
- Mothers were a key theme in relation to creativity and creative expression. When asked, “Who is the most creative person you know?” A majority of residents expressed that their mothers were the most creative person they know and expressed how she instilled the value of creativity in their lives.
- Youth development was another theme that was a constant thread throughout the evening. With many young participants present, several expressed their desire to have exposure to arts and cultural opportunities along with continuing to expand their creative minds and abilities. They feel this is possible when paired with other opportunities such as during school, when obtaining a job, or going to college. Parents in the room felt it was very important to them that their children have access to creative and cultural experiences to expand their view of the world and who they are and how they function within it.
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
University Circle, Cleveland
PARTNER SITE:
Wade Oval
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
Wade Oval Wednesday | August 10, 2016
PARTNER SITE:
University Circle United Methodist Church
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
NC Network Night | September 1, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
PARTNER SITE:
Westlake Porter Public Library
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Westlake
LISTENING SESSION DATE:
August 18, 2016
On Thursday, August 18, a group of Westlake residents gathered at the library to discuss what is meaningful to them and their community, and how art and culture plays a role in their lives.
KEY THEMES
- Connection was incredibly important to this group. Being involved and engaged in their community created connections that they desired to have. Someone said, “People need connection to others and their community…I want to walk to [an event] and have someone say hi [to me]. I want people to know me and my family. Art helps get people out of the house”.
- Beauty in nature and landscaping was another theme that continued to arise within this group. The importance of being outside and valuing nature and its beauty is a form of in itself was expressed. This perception then morphed into how important landscaping and community beautification is. Not only experiencing but maintaining a beautiful environment and yard was important to these residents.
- Participating in activities and being active outdoors is also valued. Access to the Metro Parks and other outdoor spaces and activities is of great value to residents.
- Parades and festivals also were discussed a great deal. The Fourth of July parade was a large topic of discussion. The fact that the parade brings people together to celebrate culture, heritage, and the creative process that brings the community together was considered a large benefit to Westlake residents.
PARTNER SITE:
North Union Farmer’s Market, Crocker Park
NEIGHBORHOOD / CITY:
Westlake
STREET TEAM EVENT DATE:
September 24, 2016
We asked people in this community to respond to three open-ended questions. What kinds of activities do you enjoy and find meaningful? What are the places in the community that offer arts and culture experiences that are important to you? And, last, if you would like more arts and cultural opportunities, what are they? Cuyahoga Arts & Culture’s Street Team spent more than 250 hours in the community having one-on-one conversations with more than 1,200 residents. Read more about the key themes we heard in this community.
Learn more about our method here.