A Note from the Board:

Welcoming 2026: Dream With Us!

As we step into a new year at Ingenuity Cleveland, we’re excited to bring you continued momentum and new possibilities!

From Ingenuity's Board of Directors, we want to take a moment to share our excitement and gratitude for the incredible community that continues to make Ingenuity Cleveland what it is. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, partners, artists, volunteers, and supporters, we are entering 2026 with strong momentum and meaningful opportunities ahead.

Read on to learn what this means for YOU, our community of artists, audiences, volunteers, participants, and all who dare to DREAM BIG!

This year marks Ingenuity's 21st festival, and we are proud to reflect on our journey dedicated to imagination, resilience, and the creative spirit that continues to shape our city and our country. Through performances, exhibitions, hands-on experiences, and community partnerships, this year’s programming will explore the stories we tell about who we are, where we’re headed, and how innovation helps us build the future together.

We’re thrilled to share that this work will be presented under the annual theme of “America Dreams,” paying tribute to the beautiful story we can weave together when all voices are heard.

This work continues under the leadership of Interim Executive Director Susie Underwood, whose passion for artists, makers, and community building reflects the very heart of Ingenuity.

Transformative News! Ingenuity Awarded Major Development Grant

We’re also thrilled to share news of a major development that will directly benefit our community: Ingenuity Cleveland has been awarded more than $300,000 from the State of Ohio to continue improving and expanding IngenuityLabs. This investment reflects a strong confidence in Ingenuity's future, and will be matched by local businesses and funders to support ongoing building upgrades, sustainability improvements, and increased creative and educational space. In practical terms, this means more usable studios, access to upgraded facilities, and new opportunities for programs ranging from youth STEAM education to professional artist production.

As part of this work, former Executive Artistic Director Emily Appelbaum continues to support the organization as our Strategic Consultant, stewarding this initiative with a focus on long-term capacity building, facility expansion and sustainability, ensuring growth is coordinated and mission-driven.

Building on a Decade of Growth!

With the groundwork laid, we are building our next chapter of impact, preparing IngenuityLabs to welcome new members working in everything from electronics and music production to art fabrication. Program Manager Russa Wenzel and Site Manager Arron Bound will lead the activation of thousands of square feet of creative space for Clevelanders, supporting continued growth of the IngenuityLabs Incubator, low-barrier arts programming, and neighborhood partnerships. In 2026, this includes the return of Lottery League, our annual collaboration with Brite Winter, new programming with St. Clair Superior Development Corporation, and that’s not all! We’re poised to do even more in 2026, including:



• Ingenuity Spark, piloting new education partnerships and creative learning space with CMSD and other area schools. 
  
• The Ingenuity STEAMshop, a flexible, affordable space for activities ranging from FIRST Robotics to site-specific dance and performance. 
  
• The First Impressions Gallery, creating a true “front door” for Ingenuity with reception, event space, and exhibition walls for our artist community.

We are deeply grateful to our supporters, partners, and community for helping make this growth possible, and we can’t wait to welcome you into the exciting programs, collaborations, and creative experiments ahead. We hope you’ll reach out to us to join the excitement ahead.

To learn more about supporting Ingenuity through festival sponsorships and year-round support, or to learn more about Ingenuity’s planned improvements, and discuss permanent visibility, please reach out to development@ingenuitycleveland.org.

Here’s to a bold, imaginative, and inspiring year, 


Kristen Hoover Boutton, President          

Senior Corporate Counsel, AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.

Michael Bruder, Vice President

University Architect and Assistant Vice President for Planning & Design, 

Case Western Reserve University

On Behalf of the Ingenuity Board of Directors