CINCINNATI (April 24, 2017) — In a surprise outcome, two teams’ ideas so impressed judges that two grand prizes were awarded during the second annual ArtsWave Tidal: Arts x Tech. The startup-style weekend brought together strategists, developers, marketers, designers and more to apply technology solutions to arts sector challenges. 

More than 50 participants came together to tackle the five challenges presented by local arts organizations during ArtsWave Tidal, held April 21-23 at Union Hall in Over-the-Rhine. The event was presented by Fifth Third Bank, in partnership with Cintrifuse. In addition, Vantiv, The Brandery, Startup Weekend, CincyTech, and Mercedes Benz of Fort Mitchell provided additional support. 

Team Aria took the grand prize, with their innovative approach to solving the challenge presented by Xavier University: how to effectively and efficiently track, manage and maintain instrument inventory. The seven-member team each took home Amazon Echoes, and the solution itself was awarded a $5,000 grant to become a reality. 
The 11-panel of judges comprised of members of the arts community, surprised everyone when they announced Team smART’s solution would also receive a $5,000 grant to be brought to life. smART proposed a solution to the intra-arts-sector challenge of sharing resources and incentivizing volunteerism within the arts ecosystem. The five-members of the team each received Amazon gift cards. 

The event kicked off with a fireside chat led by LISNR co-founder Chris Ostoich interviewing Editor and Chief of VIBE Magazine Datwon Thomas. Thomas inspired participants, reminding them of how broad yet critical the arts are in creating vibrant and connected communities. 

Fifth Third Bank’s sponsorship of ArtsWave Tidal stems from its own innovative history, including the fact that more than 40 years ago, the company introduced the first shared ATM network in the U.S. Fifth Third continues to be one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest employers of technology professionals, as well as a leading supporter of the arts and ArtsWave. 

As the nonprofit planner, promoter and fundraiser for 100+ regional arts organization, ArtsWave is advancing a more vibrant economy and connected community through the arts. In addition to ArtsWave Tidal, ArtsWave produces the annual Macy’s Sampler, a free weekend of arts experiences in more than 25 locations across the region; CincySings, the nationally-acclaimed workplace singing event focused on employee engagement; ArtsWave Presents, a series of community engagement events throughout the region; and Toast to the Arts, a variety of wine, beer, and cocktail promotions held at 40+ local establishments. In addition, ArtsWave has created a variety of online resources, such as CincyArtsGuide.com, a regional calendar of arts events and an online job board accessible at TheArtsWave.org/jobs. ArtsWave’s funding is used to connect and engage people with the arts and to support the arts sector itself through impact-based grants. The 2017 Community Campaign, which is dependent on donations made by approximately 40,000 Cincinnatians, runs through April 27. 

“Our long-standing arts sector combined with the growing tech-entrepreneurial sector puts Cincinnati on the map – drawing top talent, new jobs, and tourists to our region. ArtsWave is excited to bring these two parts of our region's economy together,” said ArtsWave President and CEO Alecia Kintner. 

### 

About Fifth Third Bank: 
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. As of Dec. 31, 2016, the Company had $142 billion in assets and operates 1,191 full-service Banking Centers, including 94 Bank Mart® locations, most open seven days a week, inside select grocery stores and 2,495 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending, and Wealth & Asset Management. As of Dec. 31, 2016, Fifth Third also had a 17.9 percent interest in Vantiv Holding, LLC. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of Dec. 31, 2016, had $315 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $27 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender