Introduction

FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art is a major exhibition of contemporary art that takes place across Cleveland and Northeast Ohio every three years. Launched in 2018, this ambitious initiative transforms Cleveland, Akron, and Oberlin into a unified exhibition platform showcasing work by local, national, and international artists.

Unlike many biennials or triennials concentrated in a single venue, FRONT operates as a decentralized, collaborative model that activates multiple cultural institutions, public spaces, and unexpected sites throughout the region. This distributed approach encourages exploration of the area while highlighting the distinct character and history of each location.

What sets FRONT apart is its deep engagement with place—both the specific contexts of Northeast Ohio and the broader concept of the American Midwest. The triennial uses contemporary art as a lens through which to examine the region's industrial heritage, social history, and ongoing cultural evolution, while bringing these local narratives into dialogue with global perspectives and practices.

Narrative & Themes

Each edition of FRONT International is organized around a central curatorial theme that provides a conceptual framework for the exhibitions while addressing aspects of contemporary society, culture, and politics. These themes are developed through extensive research and dialogue with local communities, cultural institutions, and participating artists, resulting in a multifaceted exploration that resonates with both regional and global concerns.

The triennial consistently engages with issues of place and belonging, examining how identity is shaped by geography, history, and community. Many projects commissioned for FRONT address the complex legacy of industrial cities like Cleveland—their economic transformations, demographic changes, and environmental challenges—while imagining new possibilities for urban revitalization and collective wellbeing.

FRONT embraces a wide range of artistic practices, from object-based works to performance, public intervention, and community-engaged projects. This diversity reflects the triennial's commitment to presenting art that can speak to varied audiences and contexts, from museum galleries to neighborhood spaces, historic landmarks to natural environments.

History & Context

FRONT International was founded in 2018 by philanthropist and art collector Fred Bidwell, who recognized the potential for a major contemporary art exhibition to catalyze cultural and economic development in Northeast Ohio. The initiative built upon Cleveland's rich cultural infrastructure, including world-class museums, universities, and arts organizations, while addressing the need for greater connectivity between these institutions and broader visibility for the region's artistic vitality.

The inaugural edition, titled "An American City" and curated by Michelle Grabner, established the triennial's ambitious scope with projects by over 110 artists across 28 venues. It attracted significant national and international attention, drawing visitors to Cleveland while fostering new collaborations among local cultural institutions. Subsequent editions have continued to refine and expand this model while deepening engagement with diverse communities throughout the region.

Participating Venues

FRONT International operates through a collaborative model that brings together major cultural institutions, alternative spaces, and public sites across three Northeast Ohio cities. This network of venues creates a rich, multilayered exhibition experience that encourages exploration of the region while highlighting the distinctive character of each location.

The participating institutions maintain their individual identities and programming approaches while working together under the triennial's thematic framework. This collaboration generates dynamic connections between spaces and communities that might otherwise remain separate, fostering a more integrated cultural landscape.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland

One of America's most distinguished art museums, presenting FRONT exhibitions in its contemporary galleries.

Cleveland

MOCA Cleveland

Cleveland

A leading contemporary art museum housed in an iconic building designed by Farshid Moussavi.

Cleveland

Akron Art Museum

Akron

A museum of modern and contemporary art with a significant photography collection.

Akron

Allen Memorial Art Museum

Oberlin

Oberlin College's distinguished art museum with collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.

Oberlin

Northeast Ohio Cultural Corridor