Arts investments fuel growth in local economies. In fact, according to research compiled by Americans for the Arts, more than two-thirds of travelers include cultural, arts, heritage or historic activities in their itineraries. These culturally motivated travelers tend to outspend other visitors, benefiting local businesses and communities throughout their destinations.

Northern Kentucky has long embraced the power of the arts. The region hosts renowned institutions like The Carnegie, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and the Behringer-Crawford Museum. Its streets showcase iconic public art, including a significant portion of BLINK's footprint.

Building on this cultural foundation, a new initiative promises to elevate the region's creative landscape even further. ArtsWave and meetNKY have joined forces to launch the Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking Grants, offering vital seed funding for visionaries seeking to transform their communities through artistic expression.

Investing in Creative Communities
The newly established grant program will provide up to $10,000 per project. This investment represents more than just financial support for artistic endeavors — it's a strategic commitment to regional vitality.

"We're not just supporting individual artists and organizations — we're catalyzing economic growth and fostering an even stronger sense of community to unify the entire region," explains ArtsWave's President & CEO Alecia Kintner.

Julie Kirkpatrick of meetNKY echoes this sentiment, noting that these projects "not only boost our region's appeal as a destination…but they also instill pride in our residents."

The impact extends beyond economics — these artistic initiatives strengthen community bonds, create distinctive local identities and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Those are benefits that will reach everyone in the region. As Rachael Parker, ArtsWave's director of Northern Kentucky Placemaking, emphasizes, "Everyone in our region should care about Northern Kentucky and this new grant, because Northern Kentucky is a part of our MSA, and a rising tide lifts all boats."

A Shared Creative Future
As these creative placemaking projects begin to take shape across Northern Kentucky, communities can anticipate new artistic landmarks, engaging cultural experiences and vibrant public spaces. The transformation won't happen overnight, but the seeds being planted today promise to yield a more dynamic, connected region tomorrow.

Keep watch in your own neighborhood — it might be the next canvas for the region's creative placemaking efforts.

To learn more about these grants or to support ArtsWave's mission of enriching the region through the arts, visit artswave.org.