The first of the programs supported by the new ArtsWave YP Grants kicked off in September, attracting crowds of young professionals eager to engage with the arts that make Greater Cincinnati amazing.

Recognizing the power of the arts to deepen roots in our region, ArtsWave began the YP Grant program this year to support arts organizations that are developing social, recurring programming that encourages young professionals to invest in the organization and/or their community.

Ten percent of the $570,000 donated by young professionals to the 2016 ArtsWave Community Campaign for the Arts was set aside for the YP Grants. This spring, a committee of ArtsWave YP leaders reviewed grant applications and awarded $57,000, total, among four organizations: Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Museum Center, concert:nova and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. 

Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Museum Center began their YP programs in September: Ballet & Beer and CurioCity, respectively. 

Ballet & Beer, which was sold out in September, gives YPs a chance to meet and mingle with the dancers and see a rehearsal of an upcoming performance. Discounted tickets to the production also were available in September. 

The next Ballet & Beer is 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 13. 

The CurioCity series invites YPs "to build and create, discuss and define, dance and laugh," while exploring the museums collections and meeting the curators. The first event, Know Thy Selfie, considered portraits through the ages, starting with Leonardo Da Vinci's charcoal sketches.  

The next CurioCity event is Make Believe Masquerade from 8 to 11 p.m. Oct. 8. 

Also this month, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park kicks off its Off The Grid series, which brings free, interactive arts experiences to Mount Adams Pavilion.