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
FY2021 Grant Programs (9/1/20-8/31/21)
ArtsWave Grants for African American Arts 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 on the next round of funding will be announced fall 2020. Be sure to sign up for ArtsWave's Grants & Resources email list to receive updates on this grant program.
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 application and details for this next round of funding will be released in December 2020. Be sure to sign up for ArtsWave's Grants & Resources email list to receive updates on this grant program.
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.
The Round 1 Catalyzing Impact grant application is now closed. Funding decisions will be announced on October 30.
More information regarding Round 2 will be available in early 2021.
Questions?
Additional application questions may be directed to Krista Bondi, Grant Programs Manager, at krista.bondi@artswave.org.
FOR ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANIZATIONS
Greater Cincinnati’s arts and cultural organizations were among the first to be impacted by COVID-19 as mass public gatherings were banned. ArtsWave recognizes the immediate loss of income you are facing and the unprecedented disruption to your creative practices as a result of the cancellation or postponement of arts, cultural and community events. ArtsWave is working rapidly to respond to and address the needs of the arts and culture sector in our region as best we can.
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 2020 ArtsWave Community Campaign.
The application and details for this next round of funding will be released in October 2020. Be sure to sign up for ArtsWave's Grants & Resources email list to receive updates on this grant program.
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.