Student Activities

You are much more than an artist or designer. Maybe you’re a musician too, or an athlete, or a political advocate. So while your classes help transform you into the artist you want to become, you also need a community that supports your growth as a person. 

Through CIA student activities, you can spend time developing interests you share with fellow students. Whether you're interested in further exploring your creative discipline, want to get involved to help those less fortunate, or meet with like-minded individuals, there's a club for you. And if there's not, start a club!

Below are just a few of our student organizations.

Students enjoying treats from an ice cream treat at Pink Pig, CIA's annual end-of-year celebration

Black Scholars and Artists (BSA)

BSA encourages students to become agents of transformation within the college, local and global community by maintaining academic/artistic excellence, graduating, and mentoring other Black scholars and artists to do the same

CIA Activities Board (CAB) 

This club works with Student Life + Housing/Student Affairs to sponsor the Halloween Party, an annual trip to Cedar Point amusement park, Pink Pig, our annual end-of-year celebration, and other projects. Throughout the school year, they organize a bunch of activities for students to enjoy like a psychic reading with Lisa Simon, Donut Appreciation Day, and Late Night Breakfast just to name a few. 

Colorwheel

Color Wheel is CIA's LGBTQ+ student organization with the mission of bringing students in the community together to establish a unit of love, compassion, and pride in the CIA community. Weekly meetings for Color Wheel will take place bi-weekly on Saturdays starting at 7pm in room 111. These meetings are open to any and all who would like to attend and there will be activities to partake in at every meeting. If you would like to join the executive board, learn more, or ask questions, please reach out to Ivy McCombs via email at iemccombs@cia.edu.

Community Outreach Team (COT) 

The Community Outreach Team provides opportunities for CIA students to serve their local community and the greater Cleveland region. Past activities included MS Fest, Greater Cleveland AIDS Walk, and making dinner for residents at Hope Lodge. For over 10 years, the Community Outreach Team has traveled to New Orleans, working with Hurricane Katrina relief programs.

Digital Media Club (DMC) 

Digital Media Club is a hub to socialize, promote, and learn about computer and digital-based artwork. Club meetings feature a variety of guest artists, student-lead talks, and activities that exercise skills in digital media while providing social, recreational, and professional opportunities to its members. 

InterVarsity

Artists for Christ is a non-denominational student group that promotes the spiritual life of CIA students by providing opportunities for spiritual growth.

Printmaking Club

The Printmaking Club at the Cleveland Institute of Art was established in the spring of 2013. The club meets biweekly for printmaking demonstrations. Members have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of printmaking techniques and become part of CIA's printmaking community. Lectures, field trips, fundraisers, and a portfolio exchange are also part of the club. 

Student Independent Exhibition (SIE) 

The annual Student Independent Exhibition is one of the major shows featured in the College's Reinberger Gallery each year. The exhibition is sponsored by the Student Leadership Council and offers students the opportunity to introduce their work to the public. Show rules, jury selection, publicity, catalogs, exhibit design and installation and the opening reception are organized and coordinated by students. Students in all majors are encouraged to submit work for jury consideration. 

Student Leadership Council 

Student Leadership Council is the student governing organization composed of class representatives from first through fourth year. The council plans and coordinates annual events, and officially presents the views of the student body to faculty and administration. Student Leadership Council also sponsors student organizations, the Halloween Party, Pink Pig, and the annual Student Independent Exhibition. Other sponsored activities include Free Sandwich day brought to students by AFC, Alternative Spring Break (COT), and many more. All students are urged to serve as representatives or attend open meetings. 

Video Game Club 

This group is all about video games and discussing what is good about some games and how other games can be improved. If you love video games, this is the club for you. 

You can also start a group. Download the PDF on starting a student group here.