CIA alumni JMC design

To:  CIA Board of Directors

Jan 7, 2009

Dear Board of Directors of the Cleveland Institute of Art,

As alumni of the Cleveland Institute of Art, we are saddened and disappointed by the decisions made towards design proposals for the addition to the JMC building. We all had great experiences while students at the CIA, and are proud to have received our education from the Cleveland Institute of Art. We care deeply about the future of the school. It would be a terrible disappointment to watch the CIA lose its high standing and reputation both in the city of Cleveland and among the alumni. We recognize that these are difficult times and that decisions must be made to save costs, but we hope those decisions will not compromise the integrity of the Cleveland Institute of Art.

First and foremost, it is discouraging that green environmental architecture decisions are not being considered heavily in all aspects of the design. We also feel that it is extremely important that community concerns are taken into account. The University Circle area has long been a contentious location in terms of crime and class discrepencies. However, many of us grew to love and care deeply about the local community and would be saddened to see architectural decisions made that further alienate that community. We don't think that building 'lofts' and 'boutiques' is necessarily the answer, as has been made obvious by the myriad of failed examples across the entire country. Instead, we propose that CIA pave the way with groundbreaking ideas instead of following the failed, and usually unaffordable paths that so many cities have tried. We propose community gardens and supporting local businesses. How about a dramatic arts theater or a cinema? The Cleveland Cinemateque brings some of the most vibrant and valuable aspects of education to the Cleveland Institute of Art. Will the Cleveland Cinemateque be moved into this building or considered in design possibilities? What about supporting artists', designers' and engineers' businesses that are working on innovative new architecture and transportation plans? Is MOCA still moving next door? That was a great idea. Finally, we wonder if the real issue centers around whether the Institute even needs to build anything at all? We understand that there is pressure to take advantage of the historic tax credit by developer John Ferchill, but given the financial situation for both the school and the general economy could the project be misguided? Shouldn’t money be allocated instead for the students, faculty, and existing facilities? If the Institute must build, then we feel it should be done practically so that all the effort and investment will pay off in the end.

Many of us are not that far out of CIA, are in grad school, are emerging artists and designers, and are just starting our own businesses and careers. Though many of us have not been able to financially contribute to the future of CIA yet, we are striving towards success in a myriad of different forms and plan to contribute to the Institute in the future. We appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to being involved in the process.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The CIA alumni JMC design Petition to CIA Board of Directors was created by Alumni of The Cleveland Institute of Art and written by Schrecken Ghost (schrecken.ghost@gmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.