The Gordon Square Arts District’s vibrancy is driven by arts and culture. It’s where our diverse neighbors live and thrive. It’s where entrepreneurs create small businesses, from art galleries to pinball parlors to handmade leather goods to wonderful restaurants. It is also where Northeast Ohioans come to experience some of the most remarkable art in our region—not just at Cleveland Public Theatre—but also at Maelstrom Collaborative Arts, 78th Street Studios, Near West Theatre, and so many more.

This convergence of arts and community development has long been the dream (and plan) of Cleveland Public Theatre. As the first major anchor of our neighborhood revitalization, CPT has been working to transform the neighborhood since the early 80s! In 1999, Founder James Levin reached out to Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization with a vision of Gordon Square as an arts district. With James’ leadership, Gordon Square Arts District was born and Near West Theatre joined the partnership. A collaborative capital campaign led by Matt Zone, Albert Ratner, Dick Pogue, and Tom Sullivan transformed the physical properties of the neighborhood, stabilized our anchor arts assets, and led to an economic revitalization.

Today, more than 80 new businesses are thriving in the neighborhood. Gordon Square Arts District spans west to 78th Street Studios, home to dozens of art galleries and studios, and east to include Talespinner Children’s Theatre and Maelstrom Collaborative Arts. Gordon Square Arts District is an incredible model for how long-term investment in the arts can not only change lives, but also change our neighborhoods!