CSO Listening Lounge | Photo: JP Leong

Imagine renewing your wedding vows under the glow of vintage neon signs or experiencing a symphony performance while lounging with craft cocktails in hand. These aren't just creative daydreams — they're part of Cincinnati's evolving arts scene, thanks to ArtsWave's latest round of grants.

ArtsWave, the engine for the arts in the Cincinnati region, has announced the recipients of its 2025 Young Professionals (YP) and Pride Grants. These 16 grants, totaling over $100,000, will fund innovative programs that engage young professionals and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

"These grants illustrate ArtsWave's commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive arts community that resonates with all segments of our diverse population," said Alecia Kintner, President & CEO of ArtsWave. "By supporting programs that engage young professionals and celebrate LGBTQIA+ voices, we’re not just enriching our cultural landscape — we’re creating a more welcoming region."

Pride Spotlight: A Sign of Love
One project receiving funding is the American Sign Museum's "Signs & Spouses: A Sparkling Celebration of Marriage Equality." This unique event marks the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in May of 2025 with a public vow-renewal ceremony set against the museum’s collection of historic signage. The celebration will feature a specially curated exhibition of signs from LGBTQIA+-led businesses throughout history, sharing the stories of these pioneering establishments and their impact on the community.

YP Spotlight: Vibing with the CSO
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s CSO Listening Lounge is a series of social music-listening experiences held apart from the Orchestra's main stage concerts. Audiences gather in Music Hall's Wilks Studio for an informal listening experience. Large screens allow for easy viewing of live or pre-recorded concerts. Attendees enjoy specialty cocktails, mingle and discuss the ongoing performance while relaxing in a casual atmosphere. The Listening Lounges are designed to bring the classical music experience to new generations, offering an alternative to the traditional concert setting.

Those are just two examples of the projects that are made possible with ArtsWave's Pride and YP grant programs. Members of ArtsWave’s Pride and YP networking groups support these grants, with 10% of their gifts allocated to the programs. To see the full list of projects, visit:
• ArtsWave Pride Grants
• ArtsWave Young Professionals Grants

To support projects like these and fuel Cincinnati's vibrant arts scene, please visit artswave.org/give.