There’s more to Cleveland’s higher-education ecosystem than Case Western Reserve University. While Case is an awesome economic development spin-off machine, other major Greater Cleveland universities are also contributing to our regional economy through research, exhibitions, forums and public programs. From Cleveland Institute of Art’s new FUTURE program to the Cleveland State University Art Gallery to the stunning public art events presented by Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland’s rich university culture is waiting for you. Here are some events worth checking out this month.
Cleveland Institute of Art is gaining momentum. It jumped to the head of the digital realm with its T.I.M.E. program a few years back. Now CIA has brought on David Moss to head its new FUTURE Center for Design and Technology, which partners with area companies to provide creative assistance and design and technology services. It also serves as a business incubator and a design gallery that showcases groundbreaking work in technology and design. The program, Startup Ink, puts the spotlight on the city’s growing subculture of entrepreneurs. The show features a number of streetwise Cleveland entrepreneurs, many of them CIA alumni. The exhibition runs through Nov. 24 at FUTURE Center in the CIA Factory, 11610 Euclid Ave. For more information, call (216) 421-8071 or visit www.cia.edu.
Cleveland State University’s People’s Art Show is legendary in local art circles. Open to anyone who submits up to two works of art, the uncensored People’s Art Show has allowed, and even encouraged, works whose content, form or presentation can be provocative, edgy and button-pushing. From an artist whose work was a flag on the floor inside the door as a welcome mat to near-obscene representations of the human body, the People’s Art Show has become so notorious, the event is held only every other year. Don’t miss the 2006 edition, with an opening reception Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. (2307 Chester Ave.) For more information, call (216) 687-2103 or visit www.csuohio.edu/art/ gallery.
Cuyahoga Community College has a secret weapon. For years, it’s hosted the Tri-C JazzFest — the surefire, must-see jazz event of the year in this part of the world. Recently, the college has expanded the JazzFest to include events year-round. JazzFest took over the Ingenuity Festival Mainstage for a day last July. And now it has added JazzFest Picante Weekend, featuring Afro-Cuban jazz with The Conga Kings. The 11-piece rumba group showcases three master congueros: Candido Camero, Carlos “Patato” Valdes and Giovanni Hildago. The Conga Kings perform Nov. 17 at the Tri-C Metro Campus Auditorium. The next day, check out the salsa rhythms of Grammy-nominated Johnny Pacheco Y Su Tumbao Anejo at the Holiday Inn Independence. For more information, call (216) 987-4400 or visit www.tricpresents.com.
