Strengthening Cincy’s Black Arts Community Through Strategic Funding

How do members of ArtsWave’s Circle of African American Leaders for the Arts help create a sustainable arts ecosystem for Black artists and audiences in Cincinnati? In the coming year, that support will take many forms: a hip-hop summer camp, a program that brings local artists into schools, a survivor’s workshop and fashion show, and more.

These are all projects to be supported by ArtsWave’s Circle Grants. The Circle Grants program is a vital initiative in Cincinnati’s cultural landscape, strengthening the capacity and sustainability of arts organizations led by, or predominantly serving, Black Cincinnatians. The grants are funded in part by contributions to the annual ArtsWave Campaign from members of ArtsWave’s Circle.

The program addresses a critical need in our arts ecosystem, providing targeted support that helps recipient organizations build infrastructure, expand programming and deepen their community impact. Investing in these organizations helps ensure that Cincinnati’s cultural offerings reflect the rich diversity of the region while creating pathways for Black artists and arts leaders to thrive.

2026 ArtsWave Circle Grant Recipients in Cincinnati

Here’s a look at just a few of the organizations receiving ArtsWave Circle Grants in 2026:

SoundArt Technology Lab: K-Drama Music | Producer Playground
SoundArt Technology Lab will host a Music Production Summer Camp for youth ages 10-17 in Cincinnati. The program will teach participants how to create hip-hop and pop beats while exploring ways to monetize their skills in the music industry. In four one-week sessions, 40 students will learn technical skills, creative confidence and pathways to artistic expression.

ARTE: Supporting Youth Through Arts Education
Led by Brent Billingsley, ARTE works directly with art teachers to help Cincinnati students transition from elementary to middle school with projects celebrating local and renowned African American artists. ARTE creates a safe, creative space where students can explore identity, build friendships and develop self-expression. By introducing students to the legacy of Black artists across disciplines and bringing in local artists for talks, the program connects young people to a rich lineage of resilience and innovation while building their confidence during a critical developmental period.

Arts Equity Collective: “I Don’t Look Like What I’ve Been Through”
Arts Equity Collective’s 5th Annual “I Don’t Look Like What I’ve Been Through” Survivor’s Workshops, Awards and Fashion Show will take place at the Community Action Agency in Bond Hill, Cincinnati. The two-day event offers arts-based healing experiences, including:

• Expressive writing
• Dance performances
• Visual art exhibitions
• Open mic performances
• Fashion show featuring survivors from underserved communities

The event centers the creativity and resilience of Cincinnati’s African American community, blending artistic expression with mental health tools to affirm that Black Art is not only aesthetic but essential to the emotional and social well-being of the community.

Impact of ArtsWave Circle Grants on Cincinnati’s Cultural Landscape
Circle Grants recipients don’t just create art. They transform communities, preserve cultural heritage and open doors for future generations in the Cincinnati region. The program’s emphasis on capacity-building means that funded organizations can develop sustainable models that will continue to serve Cincy for years to come. Through targeted investment in Black-led and Black-serving arts organizations, members of ArtsWave’s Circle help to build a more equitable, vibrant and sustainable arts ecosystem in the region.

Visit artswave.org/circlegrants to discover all 10 recipients of 2026 Circle Grants and learn more about supporting Black arts in the Cincinnati region.