Imagine Cincinnati hosting the biggest independent film festival in the United States. It’s not so far-fetched. In fact, Cincinnati has emerged as one of six finalists to be the new host city of Sundance Film Festival. The Festival is considering a move after 40 years in Park City, UT.

What puts Cincy in the spotlight for one of the most anticipated events in the film industry calendar? Take your pick:

1. A rich cultural heritage and support for the arts
Cincinnati boasts a nearly century-long tradition of fervent support for the arts, prominently championed through initiatives like the annual ArtsWave Campaign. This support has fostered a vibrant arts scene with robust community backing, speaking volumes about Cincinnati's commitment to nurturing the kind of artistic expression that the Sundance Institute looks for.

2. Substantial investment in cultural facilities
Over the past decade, Cincy’s community has demonstrated commitment to its cultural infrastructure investing $750 million in constructing or renovating cultural facilities. This investment showcases the region’s dedication to the arts while strengthening its capacity to host large-scale events like Sundance

3. Strong local film industry presence
Central to Cincinnati's appeal is the strength of the local film industry. Through strategic support and advocacy, organizations like Film Cincinnati have cultivated a reputation that attracts renowned filmmakers and industry professionals to the region. This dynamic ecosystem has laid a solid foundation for hosting a major film festival.

4. A collaborative, innovative arts sector
Cincinnati’s arts sector is uniquely united in its pursuit of a more vibrant region. ArtsWave’s Blueprint for Collective Action for the Arts Sector has cultivated a “rising tide” mentality, emboldening local arts organizations to embrace creative risks. This spirit of innovation mirrors Sundance, which celebrates bold storytelling and visionary filmmaking.

Cincinnati vies with cities like Atlanta, Boulder, Louisville and Santa Fe to become the new home of Sundance. “Each of these cities has a vibrant creative ecosystem…and has enabled creativity to flourish in their cities through their support of the arts,” says Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival’s festival director and director of public programming. Cincy’s vibrant, collaborative, innovative arts sector make it a natural choice for the event.

Your gift to ArtsWave keeps the Cincinnati region's arts sector strong, attracting national attention. Give today at artswave.org/give.