ArtsWave's Community Investment Strategy
At ArtsWave, we want everyone in Greater Cincinnati to experience the positive benefits of the arts – a more vibrant regional economy and more connected communities. ArtsWave's Blueprint for Collective Action in the Arts outlines five objectives for arts organizations looking to create that greater vibrancy and connection: building the region's ability to attract employees and businesses through distinctive arts offerings; deepening the roots of residents through arts engagement; bridging cultural divides through diverse and inclusive programming; enlivening neighborhoods with art; and fueling creativity and learning in all kids. We ask grant recipients to help us realize these important community benefits through their own programs.
All applicant organizations are asked to demonstrate how their work aligns to one or more of these five strategic areas. We recommend downloading and reviewing this document to familiarize yourself with ArtsWave's Blueprint before applying for support.
Grant Programs & Funding Opportunities
FY2022 Grant Programs (9/1/21-8/31/22)
To receive email notifications when grant programs open for funding, sign up for
ArtsWave's Grants & Resources email list on the left-hand side of this page.
Funded by City of Cincinnati, ArtsWave, Duke Energy, Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, and Macy's
ArtsWave, City of Cincinnati, Duke Energy and Macy's announce the second year of a joint grantmaking program for Black and Brown artists. Artists of any artistic discipline are invited to propose projects on the theme of “truth and reconciliation” that help lead the community toward a more just and equitable future. Eligible artists can apply for up to $15,000.
The FY2022 "Truth & Reconciliation": Project Grants for Black and Brown Artists is now closed. Award notification will be made in late December.
SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONS
ArtsWave will distribute up to $1 million of its ARP funding to help rebuild Cincinnati's arts sector in the wake of $140M+ in lost revenue and a year of shuttered venues through offering free, live outdoor arts and cultural events within the City of Cincinnati.
All ARP City of Cincinnati Performance and Event grant programs closed.
The purpose of the ArtsWave Pride Grant Program is
to promote, celebrate, and create inclusive arts experiences that may
appeal to or have relevance to the broader LGBTQIA community. ArtWave Pride
grants will provide funding for arts or cultural heritage projects that advance
Cincinnati’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community through the arts.
The FY2022 ArtsWave Pride Grant is now closed.
ArtsWave YP grants provide both seed funding to support the development of new programming, as well as existing programming with demonstrated impact in engaging young professionals. Grants are made possible by the donations of young professionals to the 2021 ArtsWave Community Campaign.
The FY2022 Young Professional’s Grant is now closed.
The Circle's African American Arts grants program will strengthen the capacity for arts presenting, producing, programming and instruction at organizations led by or predominantly serving Black Cincinnatians. The program is one way that ArtsWave is working to increase the sustainability of organizations that focus on the preservation and advancement of Black arts and culture. Eligible organizations have a mission related to the African American experience and a majority (51%+) of annual expenditures dedicated to arts and cultural activities.
Details for the FY2022 Circle's African American Arts grants will be shared in Summer 2022.
The purpose of the Catalyzing Impact Grant Program is to encourage a breadth of programming through arts and cultural heritage projects that support the goals of ArtsWave’s Blueprint for Collective Action. ArtsWave will have two rounds of Catalyzing Impact funding this year. Grant awards will be made up to $10,000 or 50% of the total expenses for the proposed project. Organizations may only submit one application per deadline, and organizations may only receive one Catalyzing Impact Grant in a single fiscal year.
Details for the next round of Catalyzing Impact grants will be shared in Spring 2022.
ArtsWave offers interest-free loans up to $10,000 for demonstrated short-term cash flow needs for eligible arts or cultural heritage organizations. There is no deadline to apply.