MISSION: We provide and promote a diverse, lively and welcoming arts environment that enriches the lives of all
VISION: Our vision is a future where art is integrated throughout the community, diverse in medium and content and accessible to all residents and visitors to Upper Arlington
The Cultural Arts Division provides a variety of arts and culture programming throughout the year and is also responsible for managing the City’s extensive collection of interior and exterior public art. Arts programming includes a public gallery featuring an annual schedule of exhibits at the Municipal Services Center, educational programming, summer outdoor concerts, and the City’s signature special event – the Labor Day Arts Festival. The City’s art collection includes many inspiring and creative permanent installations located in parks and public grounds throughout the City, as well as an extensive collection of interior art pieces installed in public buildings.
Housed within the Parks & Recreation Department, the Division is advised and supported by the Cultural Arts Commission. The Commission is a seven-member group that is appointed by City Council for the purpose of fostering and encouraging the development and preservation of arts in the community.
To receive email updates on upcoming exhibits, programs and events please send your email address using the form below.
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December 2024
Concourse Gallery
January 2025
Friends of UA Parks Volunteer Day
Concourse Gallery
Concourse Gallery
Concourse Gallery
Art in Work Spaces brings works of art into the hallways, entryways and offices of City buildings, fulfilling our belief that the arts improve the quality of life for all in our community. At present, the collection includes over 100 pieces, collected over the years through a combination of purchases, grants and gifts from artists and private citizens.
Throughout the lifespan of the Cultural Arts Program, the City has acquired, through purchase and donation, pieces of artwork intended to be displayed in various public locations throughout the City, primarily at City facilities, parks, libraries, and within streetscapes. The exterior collection contains over 20 pieces.
Naturalized Park Areas Temporary Art Installation
After completing the Arts and Culture Master Plan in 2019, the Cultural Arts Division and Commission have completed formal policies and processes for bringing public art to Upper Arlington. Northwest Kiwanis and Burbank Parks were identified as an area lacking public art and an ideal location for a temporary art installation, bringing art to the northern part of Upper Arlington.
We are excited to share that the Artist Selection Panel has selected an artist for this project. Marcia Armstrong is a resident of Upper Arlington and graduate of UAHS and has been involved with the Cultural Arts Commission, Labor Day Arts Festival and Parks and Recreation programming for the City. Marcia previously owned a storefront at The Mallway called Greystone Pottery. Marcia is formally trained as a graphic and ceramic artist.
Marcia is in the process of finalizing her plans for the installation and hopes to install the work early Summer 2025. Keep an eye out for upcoming news regarding this project!
All over the world artists and neighborhoods have been wrapping utility boxes in an effort to reduce graffiti and beautify their communities. Upper Arlington is taking part in this artful encounter with Outside the Box. We are thrilled to include the work of 10 juried artists, located on utility boxes on Tremont Road, Lane Avenue, Arlington Avenue and Northwest Blvd. Artists include: Susie Jordan (5 points), Jeanie Auseon (Tremont/Milden), Pam O’Loughlin (Tremont/Zollinger), Janis Mars Wunderlich (Northwest/Kingsdale), Nadine Block (Tremont/Ridgeview), Laine Bachman (Tremont/Farleigh), Michael Kaiser (Tremont/Northam), Caroline Chidester (Lane/Northwest), Duncan Snyder (Lane/ Wellesley) and Stephanie Rond (Lane/ North Star). This project was made possible through a grant from the Sharon and Don Cook Fund at The Upper Arlington Community Foundation.
Click on the image to explore the interactive map of Outside the Box artwork throughout Upper Arlington.
Monday, September 1, 2025 | 10 am–5 pm
Tremont Road and Tremont Parking Lot
2850 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Since 1966, Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival has celebrated and shared the arts with the community. Each year, more than 15,000 visitors flock to UA on Labor Day to immerse themselves in hands-on art activities, live music, and the opportunity to explore and purchase fine art. We are excited to produce this event in the central hub for the community; the beautifully designed parking lot adjacent to Northam Park and located between the UA Public Library, Tremont Elementary School, and the Tremont Pool.
Emerging Artist Program: The Emerging Artist Program grew from the desire to be a more inclusive Festival and support artists looking to begin their art festival careers. This program is designed specifically for artists who have never exhibited their artwork in a juried arts festival. Interested artists must be a resident or student of Franklin County. Click the button below for additional information.
Important Application Dates:
- Artist applications open December 16, 2024 – February 23, 2025. Click here to apply.
- Performance applications now open through January 5, 2025. Click here to apply.
- Food vendors will be scheduled through the Central Ohio Food Truck Association. You must be a member to participate – contact COFTA to learn about becoming a member
- Community Booth applications open March 2025
Labor Day Arts Festival Countdown
The City’s Cultural Arts Division underwent a master planning process with the goal of developing a clear vision and implementation strategies for public art and cultural programming in the years ahead. That process is now complete, with the resulting Arts and Culture Master Plan presented to and accepted by City Council in early December 2019.
The Arts and Culture Master Plan establishes a series of short-, mid- and long-term implementation strategies that focus on enhancing existing programming, strengthening operations, and raising awareness of the arts and culture opportunities available to residents. It provides clarity on the purpose, roles and responsibilities of the Cultural Arts Commission, and sets forth an inspirational guiding framework for exploring expanded public art opportunities in the community.
The UA Performance Series exists to bring a diverse and accessible concert series to Upper Arlington that appeals to the interests of the community while uniting people of differing life experiences and promoting understanding across cultural boundaries through music. We hope these events will provide a welcoming space in Upper Arlington for families and friends to come together to share performing art and culture experiences.
Now seeking applications for Bands, Singer-Songwriters, Youth Performers/Performance Groups, Dancers, Poets, and Storytellers for the 2025 UA Performance Series, including the Labor Day Arts Festival. We are looking for a diverse range of acts to provide a welcoming space in Upper Arlington for families and friends to come together to share performing art and culture experiences. Help us unite people of differing life experiences through music.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 10, 2025
Now accepting artist applications to exhibit in the Concourse Gallery or the Upper Arlington Community Gallery by Loann Crane at the brand new Bob Crane Community Center. Upper Arlington’s gallery spaces serve to highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to the arts through revolving and diverse exhibits that are educational, engaging, and accessible for all residents and visitors. The City of Upper Arlington offers two galleries for visual artists to share their work with the Upper Arlington community. Each gallery has unique features and goals.
Hover Box Element
Community Gallery
Best for individual artists with smaller bodies of work or smaller collaborative shows
Hover Box Element
Concourse Gallery
Best for individual artists with a large body of work or collaborative shows
OPENING SPRING 2025
Introducing the newest addition to Upper Arlington’s vibrant art scene: the Upper Arlington Community Gallery by Loann Crane. Perched on the fifth floor of the brand new Bob Crane Community Center, this gallery may be small, but it packs a punch in terms of creativity and community impact. Situated within a bustling public community space, this gallery offers local artists a unique opportunity to showcase their work amidst the pulse of community life. The gallery is free and open to the public. Free parking is available. The Upper Arlington Community Gallery by Loann Crane is ADA accessible.
For Prospective Artists/Exhibitors:
- The Upper Arlington Community Gallery by Loann Crane is comprised of 40 linear feet and suitable for a variety two dimensional artwork
- Exhibitions typically hung for two to three months
The Concourse Gallery—located within the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road—is our main exhibition space. Here we program visual arts exhibits in a variety of media throughout the year, accompanied by gallery guides, receptions, school tours, workshops and artist talks. The Gallery is free and open to the public during regular office hours of Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Free parking is available. The Concourse Gallery is ADA accessible.
Many, but not all, of the artworks exhibited are for sale, and are marked accordingly within each exhibit’s Gallery Guide. Any purchased artwork is required to remain on display until the end of the exhibition. Artwork can be purchased in the Parks and Recreation office.
For Prospective Artists/Exhibitors:
- The Concourse Gallery is comprised of 181 linear feet and 3,500 square feet of space, suitable for a variety of mediums
- Exhibitions typically hung for two months
- Option of having an opening reception
- The City will develop marketing materials. This includes but is not limited to: promotion on the City’s website, City social media platforms, the Arts Link e-newsletter, and other outreach as determined by the City
- The gallery is part of an open, public gathering space and therefore considered “low security.” Any groups scheduled to meet in the space are advised of our guidelines to protect and not obscure the artwork on exhibit.
- Works on exhibit are insured by the City of Upper Arlington.
- The Cultural Arts Division does requires a 10% commission for pieces that are sold.
- We strive to balance the desire for exhibition space by professional and community artists with the provision of an engaging and varied schedule of exhibitions. The works of student, emerging, amateur and professional artists—be they local, regional or further afield—are welcome and regularly featured within the gallery exhibition schedule.
