Cleveland stands tall among world-class arts institutions. Recently, Case Western Reserve University’s (CWRU) Siegal Lifelong Learning program decided to bring principals from the most renowned organizations in the region together to discuss the formula for maintaining their prestige.
The four-part series, “The Great Institutes of Cleveland,” promises to educate the public on the purpose of these institutions and their impact on the community. Beginning Sept. 26, the public will hear from the executive directors, presidents, or chief executive officers of Cleveland’s 10 major museums. Sessions begin on Sept. 26 and will run four consecutive Fridays at 10 a.m.
Siegal Lifelong Learning at Case Western Reserve University will host the program at Siegal Lifelong Learning in the Landmark Centre Building, 25700 Science Park Dr., in Beachwood.
Andrea Rubin, director of general studies and program marketing at Siegal Lifelong Learning at CWRU, recently discussed how she has been pondering the idea of showcasing Cleveland’s museums.
“I invited John Grabowski, who is a retired professor from CWRU, and a published historian who focuses on Cleveland, to act as the moderator for the discussions,” Rubin said. “We needed someone of his caliber to lead the panel on what sets Cleveland apart from other cities with similar attractions. Also, the many changes lately in our political environment have resulted in funding cuts. Many want to know, as a nonprofit organization, how they are managing, and what’s the plan going forward.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a destination for many out-of-towners visiting Cleveland. According to Greg Harris, CEO and president of the Rock Hall, the museum sees 500,000 visitors a year and brings in approximately $240 million annually, far exceeding the $35-$40 million expected when it opened 30 years ago.
According to J.R. Johnson, director of communications for the Rock Hall, the $240 million annual figure is based on the 2.5 billion the museum has garnered since it opened.
“We were asked to join the panel by the folks hosting it,” said Harris. “We absolutely wanted to be part of it. I agree with Rubin’s contention. These museums are incredible. Not many people know how hard Cleveland fought to have the Rock Hall here. Multiple cities wanted it: Philadelphia, Chicago, Memphis, New Orleans, but we managed to mobilize both the elected officials and the private sector to get funded. There was to be one Rock &Roll Hall of Fame in the entire world, and it’s here.”
Rubin believes the public will be fascinated to hear more about the world-class art community we have and how it rivals any larger cities.
The 10 institutions represented on the panel are:
Sept. 26:
Great Lakes Science Center President and CEO Kirsten M. Ellenbogen.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Greg Harris.
Oct. 3:
Cleveland Museum of Art Director and President William M. Griswold.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Christopher Kuhar.
Oct. 10:
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland Executive Director Maria Campanelli.
Western Reserve Historical Society President and CEO Kelly Falcone-Hall.
Holden Forests & Gardens President and CEO Edward Moydell.
Oct. 17:
Maltz Museum Executive Director Aaron Petersal.
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Executive Director Megan Lykins Reich.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History President and CEO Sonia Winner.
The program offers in-person and remote options for audience members, followed by optional receptions with the museum directors at 11:30 a.m. Tickets for attending the full series in-person are $100, or $135 in-person with the reception. The full series on Zoom is $50.
Harris sees partnering with organizations like Destination Cleveland as key to attracting more tourism.
“To further promote tourism in Northeast Ohio, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and other cultural institutions in Cleveland should take every opportunity to champion the great assets of this city through all of our channels,” said Harris. “By utilizing our digital platforms, we can continue to build the global awareness of Cleveland and the Northeast Ohio region well beyond our geographic reach.”
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