Inspiring Learning Through and With The Arts
SHAPING FUTURES THROUGH THE ARTS
The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) was founded in 1953 as Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland by George Szell of The Cleveland Orchestra, launching as a concert series to bring live music directly into schools. Since then, CAL has grown beyond concerts to provide hands-on creative learning experiences across dance, theater, music, visual arts, digital arts, and more. In 2013, the organization changed its name to Center for Arts-Inspired Learning to reflect this expanded focus on engaging youth through the arts to support learning, growth, and opportunity across Northeast Ohio.
Today, CAL partners with 70+ professional teaching artists to bring arts-based learning that is academically enriching and personally empowering to youth in PreK–12th grade. Our programs take place in schools, recreation centers, houses of worship, and other youth-centered spaces, reaching thousands of young people each year.
We are committed to creating accessible and inclusive opportunities for all youth, helping them realize their full potential, and making a lasting impact on their lives and the communities we serve. Through these experiences, youth build critical thinking, creativity, and social emotional skills needed to thrive in school and beyond.
OUR NATIONAL NETWORK
The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) is proud to be part of the national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network, established in 1953. This collaborative network reaches millions each year, advancing arts education through advocacy, professional development, and shared resources. We’re honored to contribute to this collective effort, making the arts accessible and transformative for youth nationwide.
OUR MISSION
The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning champions creative learning, drives educational innovation, and transforms lives through collaborative efforts involving teaching artists, students, educators, and communities.
OUR VISION
It is our vision to change lives and improve communities as the leader in making the arts a core component of every student’s education and development.
Meet the Team Making It Happen
HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN
Teaching Artists & venue partnerships
We connect schools, recreation centers, houses of worships, and other community spaces serving youth in preK-12th grade with professional Teaching Artists to deliver arts-integrated programming. Through workshops, long-term residencies, and performances our artists help enhance creativity and critical thinking while aligning with state curriculum standards.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
CAL offers free arts programs in community spaces around Cleveland, providing youth in grades 3-12 opportunities for self-expression and creativity. Our programs, such as ArtWorks, a paid arts apprenticeship for high school students, and Inspiration Through Music, which offers free year-round music lessons, are designed to inspire and empower youth through hands-on creative learning. These programs create a supportive environment for youth to engage in the arts and develop valuable skills.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CAL offers professional development for educators, teaching artists, and youth development leaders, aiming to strengthen arts integration and improve student outcomes. We provide sessions on classroom and behavior management, arts integration, evaluation and assessment, and can also customize training to meet the unique needs of your organization or school. Our goal is to equip educators with the tools necessary to create meaningful, arts-driven learning experiences.
Explore the incredible supporters who help us provide transformative programming for youth, artists, and educators across Northeast Ohio, keeping our mission alive and thriving.
the values we stand by
Equity and access
Children of all socioeconomic backgrounds have opportunities for creative self-expression.
Academic alignment
Creative learning experiences and instructional approaches are designed to increase academic success, social-emotional learning, and family and community engagement. They are customized to address core curricular needs.
Artistic excellence
Compelling, high-quality artistry is demonstrated by all teaching artists through a diversity of authentic engaging residencies, workshops, and performances.
Innovation
We pioneer new approaches, take risks, and use research to inform best practices.
Collaboration
We achieve greater results by fostering connections among our ever-expanding networks of arts professionals, teachers, school leaders, nonprofit, business, and philanthropic partners.
Accountability
We adhere to the highest standards of integrity and responsibility while delivering results.
BY THE NUMBERS
Data pulled from the 2024-2025 program year
CAL’S Latest News
Our Work In Action
