Friday, August 9, 2013

Welcome weekend changes perceptions and wows visiting artists

Psst!  Did you ever have a secret that you just couldn’t keep to yourself and wanted to tell everybody?  Well, so do we! Some of you, of course, already know the awesome secret….that our city has a thriving arts scene and wonderful opportunities for artists. Thanks to the fun filled and impressive Welcome to Cleveland Weekend….it’s not a secret anymore.

From August 1st through August 4th, attendees from around the nation had the chance to come together and celebrate what both Collinwood and Cleveland has to offer them … and all at a ridiculously low cost! Hotel accommodations, ground transportation and meals were included along with opportunities to check out some of Cleveland’s most artist-friendly neighborhoods. To add to the experience, they were able to meet and network with a wide range of fellow creative spirits that lended their voices and insight to what makes our city such a great place to live, work and play.

The much anticipated event was co-hosted by Northeast Shores Development Corporation and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC); and was designed with out-of-town artists in mind who may be considering a move to Cleveland.  Our beautiful City was showcased along with opportunities that are available to artists that may not be attainable in places like New York City or Chicago.

Visitors enjoyed a 3 night stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel inside of the historic Arcade building downtown. Weekend highlights included guided tours of Cleveland’s premiere artist neighborhoods and institutions, behind the scenes access to some of Cleveland’s great cultural organizations, complementary daytime and evening arts programming, tours of houses and storefronts that are being targeted for artist ownership, and first hand experiences of Cleveland’s culinary scene.  The annual Euclid Beach Blast! also proved to be an awe inspiring treat to the Welcome to Cleveland attendees.  Great food from local eateries, live theater and music, dancing, prizes, giveaways and more….all while enjoying a beautiful view of Lake Erie….was another testament of how wonderful it is to live in the North Collinwood neighborhood.  A breathtaking sunset rounded out the evening and a fun time was had by all!  The weekend concluded with a delicious brunch at the Beachland Ballroom where guests enjoyed delectable food, networked with local artists, and shared their thoughts about their Cleveland experience.  The weekend getaway provided participants with an amazing up close and personal look into why our city truly rocks and is one of the top locations in the country for artists, musicians and creative entrepreneurs!

Northeast Shores and CPAC are continuously working every day to get artists' access to space ownership, grants and loans ... and making sure that artists get a chance to play a big role in neighborhood revitalization.  Find out about all sorts of artist resources unique to Cleveland and how they're helping artists pursue their dreams by visiting www.welcometocollinwood.com.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

WCPN Interview

Last week, David C. Barnett of WCPN (90.3 FM) interviewed our Executive Director, Brian A. Friedman. The interview focused on our efforts to attract artists to our housing in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. We are very proud to be interviewed and hope you check the story out at:
http://www.ideastream.org/news/feature/55328