Visual arts, craft and design are a large part of our daily lives, which are inundated with images not only through museums or private collections, but also through product consumption. Art penetrates our environments and can inspire collective action. The creative process inspires us to think about new concepts, applications, and markets for stimulating innovation. In order to position greater Cleveland’s visual arts, craft and design sector for continued growth, the community needs to understand the strengths and challenges facing the sector. Forming Cleveland provides a foundation of research to achieve this aim as well as spur discussions about how to strengthen the sector in its role as an innovator for our region. Arts Cleveland and Cleveland State University partnered to explore the visual arts, craft and design industry in this study. It includes eight case studies on how the visual arts, craft and design industry is impacting our city’s landscape and vision for our future.