Making Waves Blog

The places and spaces for experiencing and making art in Cincinnati – our cultural facilities – are being re-imagined and positioned for an exciting future.

Mash-ups keep our arts scene in a healthy state of reinvention. We are likewise energized by the chance to work with new businesses and the region’s growing entrepreneurial community.

We may be halfway there, but there's still a long way to go. But we're not worried, we're happy! Each day we get to come to work and share this great message about the positive benefits of the arts.

Thanks to ArtsWave’s partnership with the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network (RTN), we’ve announced 14 special grants this month that will support exciting Fall programs. Here is a quick snapshot of upcoming events made possible by ArtsWave donors.

Educational Theatre Association announced three new Cincinnati-area schools participating in their JumpStart Theatre pilot program.

At ArtsWave, we are focused on the many ways that the arts fuel creativity and learning for kids across the region. Our funded arts organizations provided nearly 186,000 arts experiences in three out of every five schools across the region.

ArtsWave and CAALA look ahead to exciting cultivation events in March, including a hard hat tour of the under-renovation Music Hall, a performance of 'A Raisin in the Sun' and the upcoming Nelson Mandela exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

ArtsWave presented the Macy's Arts Sampler February 18 and 19, 2017, offering Greater Cincinnati residents the opportunity to experience 100 arts events in 25 venues across 18 neighborhoods, for free!

Today, ArtsWave Campaign Chair Tim Elsbrock, Cincinnati market president of Fifth Third Bank, is announcing Greater Cincinnati's own arts challenge: he's challenging the community to come together to contribute $12,600,000 to the 2017 Campaign by April 27.

It’s important for our elected officials and policy makers to understand this impact and hear about the Arts Ripple Effect from all of us, so vital federal agencies which support the arts and culture sector are maintained and adequately funded.

Photos from CAALA's fun evening out at the sold-out Smokey Robinson concert with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra! Next up: Black History Month.

Check out the many new arts partners joining us this year, not to mention the new shops and restaurants hopping on board. Whether you’re joining us from Enjoy the Arts or you’re a loyal ArtsPass donor, this year we have double the deals.

ArtsWave’s research has shown a direct correlation between those Cincinnatians who engage in the arts and those who engage in our civic life, which reinforces for me the obligation to expand, expand, expand both groups.

Over $100,000 in new Catalyzing Impact grants were awarded to 17 local organizations, recommended by community volunteers who reviewed 35 applications. All the projects are worthy and exciting, but a few especially captured my attention for their sensitive responses to ArtsWave’s goals outlined in our Blueprint for Collective Action for the Arts Sector.

At this time of giving thanks, we are grateful for each and every one of the tens of thousands of people who value and support the arts in our community. You make an impact on the arts, and a new Arts Vibrancy study from SMU shows just how much an impact the arts have made in Cincinnati.

Whether you feel like you’ve won or lost something today, there is an invitation in front of each one of us: to keep doing the work of building a more vibrant economy and connected community for all. At ArtsWave, we pledge to keep doing that with, and through, the arts.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's Break Bread + Listen programs are a reminder that even when we might feel disconnected and cut-off from our fellow man, common ground is there – if you take the time to find it.

ArtsWave had the pleasure of attending the “BCA 10” awards ceremony in New York City last week and paying tribute to one of 2016’s honorees, Cincinnati’s own Procter & Gamble. And, share how your company shows support by taking the BCA Survey of Business Support for the Arts.

The Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network (RTN) and ArtsWave have unveiled details of an unprecedented partnership to co-create a Cultural Tourism Campaign. This collaboration launches a multi-year strategic investment in marketing cultural tourism to increase Cincinnati USA visitor and resident awareness, visitation and engagement.

ArtsWave wants all kids to benefit from arts education, and we know from our research that more than 90 percent of Greater Cincinnati parents agree. Join in us in reminding decision-makers of the importance of arts education by sharing your #BecauseOfArtsEd story on Twitter or Facebook.