LAND’S
LOOK AT
CLEVELAND’S PUBLIC PLACES
Transformative Art Fund Shapes Cleveland Through Creativity
REVITALIZING NEIGHBORHOODS
Across Cleveland, a wave of public art has recently transformed neighborhoods through creativity, collaboration, and community pride. Through the City of Cleveland’s Transformative Art Fund — a $3 million initiative supported by federal ARPA funds — local artists reimagined public spaces and strengthened connections across the city.
The inaugural Transformative Art Fund cohort included seven artists — Malena Grigoli, LaTecia Delores Wilson Stone, Jordan Wong, Ariel Vergez, Jameelah Rahman, Robin Robinson, and Kumar Arora — each bringing a distinct voice to communitybased public art. From large-scale murals to interactive installations, their projects reflected the Fund’s mission to use art as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
LAND studio played a key role throughout the process, providing technical support with planning, permitting, fabrication, and community engagement. These efforts turned creative ideas into meaningful public experiences — celebrating Cleveland’s identity, amplifying local stories, and leaving a lasting imprint on the city’s cultural landscape.
For more information, visit www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/ office-mayor/taf or scan the QR code.
An Update from LAND studio’s Board Chair
LAND’s purpose endures: creating moments, through public spaces, that remind us we are all connected and part of something bigger than ourselves.
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As we navigate an ever-changing landscape, one thing remains constant: our commitment to connecting people through art and public space. This is LAND’s heart and purpose — creating beauty, fostering joy, and building moments of connection that remind us we’re all part of something bigger. Across Cleveland, our team continues to lift up Cleveland’s neighborhoods, residents, and visitors –
because everyone deserves access to inspiring spaces and the very best art our city has to offer. As times change, our purpose endures. Thank you for believing in this work and in the power of art to bring people together.
COVER IMAGE C/O BOB PERKOSKI
IMAGES C/O THE CITY OF CLEVELAND
New Art Wall Installation: Feel It, Name It by Aja Joi Grant
Visitors to Public Square can now experience Feel It, Name It, a striking new installation by artist Aja Joi Grant, on LAND’s Café Art Wall on the southwest side of the Square. Grant — a photographer, printmaker, and fiber artist — explores themes of
Black identity, spirituality, liberation, and healing through her vibrant visual language. Her work has been featured across Northeast Ohio, and she continues to inspire as both an artist and educator. Feel It, Name It layers photography and cyanotype
Celebrating a New Playscape at The Centers’ Wade Early Learning Site
On a crisp October morning in Cleveland, a joyful ribbon cutting celebrated the opening of the new Playscape at The Centers’ Wade Early Learning Site – a vibrant outdoor learning space designed and built by LAND. The project transformed a traditional play yard into a dynamic space where children can explore, imagine, and connect with nature.
printing to evoke movement, emotion, and transcendence. “This piece represents the limitless space we find ourselves in when we embrace ourselves boldly,” says Grant. Visit Public Square to experience Feel It, Name It — on view now!
Bringing the vision to life was a collaborative effort. Local artist ChiIrena Wong created a series of playful ground murals; New Vista Landscaping sourced and installed barn stones for an outdoor classroom and the plant material that anchors the space in color and texture; and Andrew Pearson of Staticcraft designed, fabricated, and installed custom furniture to complete
the experience. The project was made possible through the PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great initiative® in partnership with The Centers. Together, these partners created a joyful, art-filled environment that celebrates curiosity, community, and the power of play.
IMAGES C/O BOB PERKOSKI
IMAGES C/O BOB PERKOSKI
2519 Detroit Avenue, Suite 100 Cleveland, OH 44113
216.621.5413 | LAND-STUDIO.ORG
Winter 2025
THE SPACES BETWEEN
IN THIS ISSUE I Your transformative support : TAF shapes Cleveland’s new public art spaces : Celebrating new art installations and playscapes
Where
art grows, hope follows
Public art and well-designed public spaces remind us who we are — creative, resilient, and stronger together. Your support makes that possible. Every dollar helps transform walls, parks, and
neighborhoods into spaces of inspiration and belonging. Please consider making a gift today by visiting land-studio.org/ donate, scanning the QR code, or mailing
a check to LAND studio, 2519 Detroit Ave, Ste 100, Cleveland, OH 44116. We need you — now more than ever — to support creativity and connection in Cleveland.