Historic Synagogue in Park Arts Now Hosts First-rate Programming, Courtesy of Oberlin
The Park Arts collaboration between Oberlin College and the Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights is a transformative project that will see the historic Mendelsohn building, previously part of the synagogue, transformed into a large arts complex. This initiative, spanning approximately 40,000 square feet of studio and practice space for local arts nonprofit organizations, and an additional 10,000 square feet for other community groups, including those supporting artists with developmental differences, is a testament to the commitment to arts and education in the region[1].
For students in Oberlin College’s Integrated Arts dual degree program, the Park Arts project presents a wealth of opportunities. By providing access to high-quality studio, rehearsal, and collaboration spaces within a vibrant community arts complex, it facilitates immersive, interdisciplinary arts experiences and partnerships with local arts organizations housed in Park Arts. This practical engagement in real-world arts environments enriches their education and prepares them for future careers in the arts[1].
The BA+BFA program at Park Arts is designed with collaboration in mind, involving renowned visiting artists and Cleveland's arts organizations through internships, commissioned works, and public programming. Students enrolled in the program will have 24-hour access to private studios, rehearsal spaces, theaters, and production facilities[1].
The partnership between Oberlin and the greater Cleveland community aims to honour one of Cleveland's historic Jewish synagogues while also paying tribute to Erich Mendelsohn's legacy. Oberlin President Carmen Twillie Ambar has expressed her excitement about the partnership, as it allows Oberlin students to interact with the region's cultural institutions[1].
The first BA+BFA students at Park Arts are scheduled to arrive in June 2027, with the program launching in fall 2025 and able to be completed in five years. The Park Synagogue congregation has already left its historic Cleveland Heights campus, paving the way for this exciting new chapter in the life of the Mendelsohn building[1].
This project is a joint effort between Oberlin College and Sustainable Community Associates (SCA), a Cleveland-based team of Oberlin alumni. The BA+BFA program at Park Arts culminates in a substantial, public-facing project—a performance, exhibition, or installation—determined in collaboration with Oberlin faculty mentors[1].
In conclusion, Park Arts is not just a physical hub for arts organizations in Cleveland Heights, but also a partnership that supports Oberlin students’ artistic development through expanded facilities and community connection[1]. The project promises to be a significant contribution to the arts and education landscape in Cleveland.
[1] Source: Oberlin College press release, dated 2023.
- The Park Arts collaboration not only offers local arts organizations a transformative arts complex, but also provides an enriched lifestyle and education-and-self-development opportunity for students in Oberlin College's Integrated Arts dual degree program.
- The BA+BFA program at Park Arts, designed with collaboration in mind, not only supports students' artistic development through expanded facilities but also contributes significantly to the education and self-development landscape in Cleveland.
