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.
June 1-July 7 3600 Tremont Road The City’s Concourse Gallery is hosting an informational exhibit…
The 2023 Pool Season is upon us, and UA Parks & Rec are excited to…
After a long winter, warmer weather is finally here to stay. To celebrate, UAPark &…
May 10, 2023 UA Parks & Rec Updates Thompson Park Restroom Work Please be advised…
UA Parks & Rec is continuing to work through its capital improvement plans for Northam…
4 pm, Monday, April 17, 2023 Construction Site at Kingsdale (Tremont Road side of the…
10 am, Saturday, April 8 Thompson Park Get ready for the fastest 55 seconds in…
Safety Town is a summer preschool program hosted by the UA Police Division that teaches…
The Upper Arlington Farmers Market is scheduled to operate every Wednesday from 3-6 pm from…
Explore the history of structural racism caused by the 1938 redlining maps and how this…
Enjoy this Upper Arlington Performance Series event by kicking off summer with the hottest music…
Experience the joy of movie watching in the great outdoors. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and…
Experience the joy of movie watching in the great outdoors. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and…
Free play for any play of any guest of Northam Tennis. Try out the courts…
The Upper Arlington Farmers Market is scheduled to operate every Wednesday from 3-6 pm from…
Explore the history of structural racism caused by the 1938 redlining maps and how this…
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.
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 4, 2023 | 10 am – 6 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.
NEW expanded hours! This year’s event will be extended from a 6 hour event to an 8 hour event, adding additional performances and more time to shop!
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 application deadline has passed
- Performance application deadline has passed
- 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 now open
LDAF 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.
UA Parks & Rec brings you an exciting new UA Performance Series with a lineup sure to please! Previously known as Music in the Parks, this new and improved series will feature multiple performances, food trucks, activities and fun for all. Bring your family and friends and EXPERIENCE the arts with us!
Non-profit booth space is available at a variety of community events this year, including the UA Performance Series. Click HERE for additional information.
Party on the Plaza
Thursday, June 8 | 6-11 pm
Municipal Services Center
Kick off summer with the hottest music event in town, featuring live music, food, drinks and fun. Enjoy an evening of great music from talented local musicians, Sydney McSweeney and Honey and Blue. Bring a chair or blanket and wrap up the evening with an outdoor movie screening of Respect (PG-13) on the lawn at 9 pm. The Concourse Gallery will also be open during the event. Don’t miss your chance to view the Undesign the Redline Exhibit and artwork.
Music at Miller
Thursday, June 22 | 6-9 pm
Miller Park
In partnership with the Upper Arlington Public Library, this event is sure to please the entire family! Enjoy performances geared toward and involving students of all ages. Join us for live music, dance parties, music trivia and a rock star photo booth! Enjoy dinner and treats from a variety of tasty food trucks.
Arts on Arlington
Thursday, July 13 | 6-10 pm
Mallway Park
In an effort to support UA artists, artisans and Mallway businesses, we bring you Arts on Arlington! Arlington Avenue will be lined with artists and vendors while Mallway Park becomes a relaxing space to grab food and sip a cold beverage while enjoying live music.
Are you an artist or artisan interested in displaying and/or selling your artwork at this event? Click HERE for more information.
Labor Day Arts Festival
Monday, September 4 | 10 am – 6 pm
Northam Park
We have expanded this year’s event to 8 hours, adding more performances and extra time to shop! Enjoy 5 performances on the Main Stage and additional youth performances on the Reading Garden Stage.
Songwriter Social
Thursday, October 19 | 6-9 pm
Amelita Mirolo Barn
Help us celebrate the art of songwriting! This welcoming event will feature local singer-songwriters, great food and a taste of beer, wine and cocktails. Held at the beautiful Amelita Mirolo Barn, this is sure to be an enjoyable evening out. Grab the family, a friend or a date and come join the fun.
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.
We are not accepting applications to exhibit at this time. Applications open on an annual basis and will open again in Fall 2023.
The goal of the Arlington Gallery is to provide exhibition space for artists affiliated with Upper Arlington. The purpose of the Gallery is to highlight local talent and showcase the artists who live and work in our community in a non-juried setting. The Arlington Gallery is a vital and active resource for the community, raising awareness, accessibility, and advancement for local artists.
