using the arts and arts education to expand notions of who belongs on Cape Cod

We believe Cape Codders are the main characters in the story of Cape Cod; not accessories to someone else’s vacation.

Our Mission

The Cordial Eye is a community arts organization based on the Mid-Cape that strives to use the arts and arts education as a tool for expanding the definition of who belongs on Cape Cod and what it means to be a creative person here. We are dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression in our community by creating space for marginalized groups to amplify their impact in creating a more just and equitable world, through gathering, experimentation, exhibitions, and cultural expression.

What we do

Our two branches - The Cordial Eye Artist Space, which provides performance, exhibition, and professional development opportunities for artists, and The Cordial Eye Learning Lab, which provides educational opportunities for learners of all ages- are committed to centering the voices and needs of historically-excluded communities. By creating programming by, for, and with these communities- which include BIPOC folks, LGBTQ+ folks, disabled folks, and folks with financial barriers to access- we seek to create a Cape Cod that is vibrant, equitable, and a place of belonging for all

On View-
Fabrication and Deconstruction March 15-April13

Explore the works of four distinct artists - Adam Wentworth, Jenny Rainey, Dave Tree, and Celeste Hanlon - in this exhibition, each showcasing a unique approach to their craft and employing a diverse range of mediums. Despite their individual styles, these artists are bound together by shared themes of social and political commentary, a critical examination of the roles of celebrity in pop culture, and a heightened awareness of our natural and human ecosystems.

Join us as we deconstruct and delve into these compelling concepts, offering viewers the opportunity to gain multiple perspectives on the interconnected themes present in the artists' creations

Upcoming Events

  • New Group: Queers and Quills

    1st Monday of the month from 6-8pm

    Queers and Quills' Mission is to provide written word artists on Cape Cod a creative, supportive, and inclusive space where writers are empowered to lean into their craft with a community of others seeking accountability for their writing work. Led by @theliterarygall , we are committed to fostering an environment of respect, kindness, and constructive collaboration, recognizing the strength that arises from embracing our differences and supporting one another.

    We welcome all writing styles, genres, and cultural backgrounds, expanding the inclusivity work of The Cordial Eye to the literary community. Our goal is to provide opportunities for writers of all abilities and backgrounds to seek and provide support in fostering their written voice through guided writing practice, independent writing time, community, and conversations with other creatives. Whatever you’re writing or whatever you’ve been wanting to write but have not allocated the time or space to create it, we are here to support you on your artistic journey. Together, we strive to create a writing community that reflects and respects the diversity of the voices and experiences here on Cape Cod.

  • Special Events

    We have two upcoming special events on the calendar so far for this spring: The opening reception for “Fabrication and Deconstruction” on March 15th and the Misfits Night Market on April 13th. More details at the link below

  • Spring Classes

    This spring our arts and music classes are free thanks to support from the MA Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Program and Urban Agenda! Our process based arts classes are especially great for artists who love art but have always felt art class is mid.

Applications are closed for Creative Futures Cape Cod.

We will be announcing the new cohort soon…

Creative Futures is a paid fellowship program for artists of all kinds, between the ages of 18 and 40, who have faced barriers to careers in the Creative Economy.  

The fellowship is open to artists from any background, and prioritizes people of color, disabled people, low-income people, queer people, and those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. 

The 2024 session of Creative Futures will kick off in late January and last 16 weeks, concluding in early June. This year’s session will include two tracks: The Artist Fellow Track and the Teaching Artist Development Track.

Artist Fellows

Creative Futures Cape Cod (CFCC) is a 16-week paid fellowship for adults in Hyannis and the surrounding communities, between the ages of 18-40, who desire a career in the creative economy. Open to musicians and visual artists of all genres, the CFCC Artist Fellow Track will pair each fellow with a local arts professional for weekly individual mentorship, host weekly cohort classes, provide free studio space, and compensate each intern $3600 and assistance with purchasing materials for their participation in the program. CFCC is a program of The Cordial Eye and will include collaboration from Amplify POC, Belonging Books, EforAll Cape Cod, and Love Live Local. Participants can expect to gain knowledge and experience in their chosen art form, to learn about the role of an artist in community, to learn entrepreneurship and branding basics, and to build community with other creative professionals on Cape Cod.

Teaching Artists

Open to musicians and visual artists of all genres, the CFCC Teaching Artist Track will pair each fellow with a local arts professional for student teaching and mentorship, host weekly cohort classes, and compensate each intern $1600 and assistance with purchasing materials for their participation in the program. CFCC is a program of The Cordial Eye and will include collaboration from Amplify POC, Belonging Books and guest lecturers from the wider community. Participants can expect to gain hands-on teaching experience, insturction on lesson-planning, classroom management, trauma-informed education, and barriers to equity in educational settings, and build community with other creative professionals on Cape Cod.

Note: The Teaching Artist Fellow Program does not issue any formal or legal teaching certification. It is designed to equip creative professionals to teach in community arts settings, such as nonprofits, museums, and studios.

Join our Collaborative WorkSpace

The Cordial Eye Collaborative Work Space is designed as a shared space for creative professionals to connect, create, and share in a relaxed, creative setting. Think of it as a gym membership for your creative practice. Membership includes: access to wifi, workspace, art making space, a kitchenette, and a 10% discount on regular Cordial Eye classes.

Not an artist or creative professional? Still looking for a supportive and creative working space? Please know you are still welcome to join us.

  • The Cordial Eye Collaborative Work Space is designed as a shared space for creative professionals to connect, create, and share in a relaxed, creative setting. Think of it as a gym membership for your creative practice. Membership includes: access to wifi, workspace, art making space, a kitchenette, and a 10% discount on regular Cordial Eye classes.

    $45/m

    $25/m for WIC/EBT/ConnectorCare card holders

  • This $5 option is perfect for artists and other professionals who are testing out the space, in town for just the day, or not able to commit to the monthly membership for a variety of reasons.

The Hyannis COmmunity Art Wall is open!

After two years of administrative labor we are elated to announce the opening of the Hyannis Community Art Wall. The wall is open to community members to add to during library hours and is BYOP (bring your own paint). We hope to see you on one of our community paint days - the next is August 4th from 5-8pm!

Celebrating another year around the sun for someone?

We offer Creative Birthday Packages and venue rentals.