Supporting the Visions of BIPOC Cultural Leaders

Over the last year, ArtsWave provided $1 million in direct funding for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) arts. This investment took form in different ways:

Creating a new annual grants program that supported 18 organizations led by or predominantly serving African Americans in its inaugural year.

Beginning a second new grant program supporting nearly 30 individual Black and Brown artists as they create projects on the theme of “Truth and Reconciliation.”

Jumpstarting the “Black & Brown Faces” exhibition at Cincinnati Art Museum, featuring local artists responding to the events of 2020.

Presenting the Cincinnati Music Festival's Outdoor Museum to showcase local artists of color for 30 days in Washington Park.

Funding artist fees for two seminal murals, the "Black Lives Matter!" mural in downtown Cincinnati and "Black Excellence in Zone 15," the first-ever public art installation in historic Lincoln Heights.

Presenting THRIVE, a series of music, dance and spoken word concerts featuring local up-and-coming Black artists, organized by Elementz.

Launching Flow, An African American Arts Experience, which will bring leading Black performing artists to the region as the region's restart gets underway.

All these investments are driven by the conviction that the arts can help make our region more inclusive, diverse, equitable and respectful of all.