Cincinnati, OH – April 27, 2017 — ArtsWave successfully ended the 2017 Annual Community Campaign, collecting $12,500,053 for the arts that build Greater Cincinnati’s national reputation, deepen people’s roots in the region, enliven our neighborhoods, bridge cultural divides and fuel creativity and learning for our children. The amount raised is $50,053 more than last year’s $12,450,000.  

In addition, $250,000 was separately raised for the second year of an innovative partnership with the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network (RTN). The RTN will match these funds for co-created marketing efforts to attract visitors within 500 miles of Cincinnati to the region this fall to experience Cincinnati’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. 

Together, total fundraising efforts amount to $12,750,053. With the success of the campaign, ArtsWave remains the largest community campaign for the arts in the country, both in total contributions and number of donors. 

Several employee campaigns at companies and organizations achieved significant increases in their campaign efforts, including: Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati Bell, VANTIV, Paycor, Inc., Western & Southern Financial Group, Ohio National Financial Services, AK Steel, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL, The E.W. Scripps Company. 

ArtsWave continues to diverse its fundraising strategy through engagement of affinity groups. Volume growth was led by ArtsWave’s Young Professionals (YP) group which experienced growth of 1,000 individuals, now surpassing 5,000. To date, this group, the Women’s Leadership Roundtable, the Circle of African-American Leaders for the Arts, and Leadership givers have raised a total of $2.8 million. 

Beyond dollars raised, the 2017 Community Campaign that spanned from February 10 to today, reminded the community of the depth and importance of the region’s arts organizations. This was exemplified by Macy’s Arts Sampler offering 90 free community performances at 26 locations; CincySings, sponsored by Accenture, the nationally-acclaimed workplace singing event, engaging 21 choral groups across regional employers and nearly 1,000 in attendance; ArtsWave Tidal: Arts x Tech, the arts and innovation event that attracted 50+ individuals who worked tirelessly through a weekend of problem-solving for the arts ecosystem; and Toast to the Arts, a variety of wine, beer, and cocktail promotions held at 40+ local establishments. 

“This campaign would not be possible without the thousands of donors and volunteers who stepped up for our community," said Tim Elsbrock, 2017 Campaign Chair and President, Greater Cincinnati Market, Fifth Third Bank. “We want to thank everyone who has been a champion for the arts in our region. Your investment makes a difference.” 

As is the case every year, the total dollar amount announced includes contributions already received and reported, as well as projections for campaigns that are ongoing. Alecia Kintner, President & CEO of ArtsWave added, “For those companies and individuals who are still finishing their campaigns, please know that your support is essential.” 

ArtsWave celebrated the successful 2017 campaign on April 27, 2017 at Rhinegeist Brewery. ArtsWave Board President Lisa Sauer, Vice President, Product Supply, Global Home Products & External Supply Solutions, P&G, ended the program, announcing that Jim Henning, President of Duke Energy’s Ohio and Kentucky Utility Operations has accepted the role of 2018 Community Campaign Chair.