Rarely does the public get a chance to hear from-and interact directly with-leaders of Cleveland's world-class institutions.
But a new series of panel discussions featuring the executives of Northeast Ohio's treasured arts, cultural and educational destinations will offer an opportunity to learn more about each that even a visit wouldn't provide.
On four consecutive Friday mornings starting Sept. 26, Siegal Lifelong Learning at Case Western Reserve University will host the new series, called "The Great Institutions of Cleveland," with the executive directors, presidents or chief executive officers of Cleveland's 10 major museums.
Each panel discussion will explore the founding purpose of these organizations, their impact on the community and how their missions and programming have evolved to meet the interests of today's audiences.
Each session will be presented at the Siegal Lifelong Learning location in the Landmark Centre Building, 25700 Science Park Dr., in Beachwood, and moderated by John Grabowski, visiting associate professor of history at Case Western Reserve and editor of Encyclopedia of Cleveland History.
Discussions will also examine how funding strategies have shifted in response to political and economic changes, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead.
"This is a unique chance to hear directly from those shaping the future of Cleveland's cultural landscape," said Andrea Kushnick Rubin, the Siegal Lifelong Learning's director of general studies programs and program marketing. "By bringing these leaders together, we aim to provide an inside view of the missions, challenges and evolving roles of these institutions while also fostering greater appreciation of the cultural richness of Cleveland."
Panel discussions start at 10 a.m., with in-person and remote options available, followed by optional receptions with the museum directors at 11:30 a.m. The full series in-person is $100, or $135 in-person with the reception. The full series on Zoom is $50.
"The inaugural series will cover museums and other cultural destinations," Kushnick Rubin said, "and, in the future, we hope to showcase Cleveland's performing arts institutions, research institutions, sports teams, industry, education and more."
The schedule
Sept. 26
- Great Lakes Science Center President and CEO Kirsten M. Ellenbogen
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Greg Harris
Oct. 3
- Cleveland Museum of Art Director and President William M. Griswold
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Christopher Kuhar
Oct. 10
- The Children's Museum of Cleveland Executive Director Maria Campanelli
- Western Reserve Historical Society President and CEO Kelly Falcone-Hall
- Holden Forests & Gardens President and CEO Edward Moydell
Oct. 17
- Maltz Museum Executive Director Aaron Petersal
- Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Executive Director Megan Lykins Reich
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History President and CEO Sonia Winner
