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 new location with Belonging Books at 438 Main St, Hyannis, is open! Visit our new space Monday - Thursday, 11 am - 3 pm and Monday and Friday evenings from 4 pm - 8 pm or when Belonging Books is open. Check their website for more details.
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
Upcoming events
Connect to your creativity with arts classes in our learning lab
What do we owe to our community members?
The Forum for Community Understanding is a new type of community gathering designed to help us collaboratively answer that question. Everyone’s voice is needed in this conversation. We welcome all – including artists, business owners, community leaders, elected officials, educators, parents, students and neighbors – to join us for a day of creative connection, deep conversation and playful problem solving.
Forum tickets are available via a tiered pricing system. We trust you to select the option that best suits your family’s needs.
Tier 1: $15, Tier 2: $30, Tier 3: $50
Tier One
Consider this tier if
You struggle to cover the costs for basic needs.
You are supporting multiple dependants.
You are experiencing circumstances that have resulted in significant, unexpected costs.
Tier Two
Consider this tier if
You can cover the costs for basic needs, but have limited extra funds.
You have access to financial resources, should an emergency arise
Tier Three
Consider this tier if
You can easily cover the costs for basic needs.
You have considerable disposable income
You are a beneficiary of intergenerational wealth.
Your workplace is covering the cost of your ticket.
The Forum for Community Understanding is a project of The Arts & Justice Collective- a collaboration between Amplify POC Cape Cod, Belonging Books, and The Cordial Eye. The Forum is supported by the generosity of the Barr Foundation’s Catalyzing Vitality Program and the Town of Barnstable Mini-Tourism Grant Program, The Harwich Cultural Council and The Dennis Cultural Council. The Harwich and Dennis Cultural Councils are local agencies, which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
September 10, 2026
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lunch Included
438 Main Street, Hyannis