Close your eyes and imagine that, ten years ago, a group of local business and community leaders got together and agreed to go all in on supporting the kind of arts that can build identity, equity and healing. Then, open your eyes and see the results. It's no thought experiment. That's what the founding of the Circle of African American Leaders for the Arts looked like.

Usually referred to as "The Circle," it is one of ArtsWave's Leadership Affinity Groups. Members contribute to the ArtsWave Campaign each year at the Leadership level. "The Circle was founded in 2015, so we are celebrating our ten year anniversary," says Richard Mead, ArtsWave's staff liaison for The Circle. "It's also really special because Mel Gravely, a co-founder of The Circle, is our 2025 ArtsWave Campaign Chair."

The Circle plants seeds that will grow into a more connected, vibrant and inclusive region. Its members celebrate, elevate and amplify the Black experience through a cultural lens, providing a platform where art and advocacy meet. Circle members are invited to exclusive events featuring organizations they support, including everything from the Bi-Okoto African Drum & Dance organization to the West End's cultural anchor, the Robert O'Neal Multicultural Arts Center.

Centering Culture, Community, and Connection
The Circle exists at the intersection of creativity and collective impact. A portion of each member's gifts directly funds arts initiatives and organizations that are led by, or primarily serve, Black Cincinnatians. The capacity-building Circle Grants create a tangible effect on the region's creative landscape. This isn't just philanthropy; it's cultural stewardship.

Richard Mead points to the grant program as one of the most important impacts of the group. "So many organizations and individual artists have been supported by Circle Grants," he notes. "We really want to strengthen those communities...With this being the 10th anniversary, I can't wait to see what the next ten years look like."

Representation that Ripples Out
The benefits of Circle support extend far beyond the stage or gallery. Investments by The Circle help foster economic growth in underserved neighborhoods while also reinforcing the importance of representation in the arts. When communities see themselves reflected in the cultural spaces around them, engagement deepens and pride flourishes.

The impact of The Circle is not only artistic but structural, shaping the future of arts funding by modeling what intentional, identity-centered giving can look like.

Looking Ahead: A Collective Commitment
Just as creative placemaking helps to revitalize streetscapes and draws tourists, those who join the Circle help to revitalize culture from the inside out. Their support builds relationships, creates opportunities and ensures that Greater Cincinnati's arts scene truly reflects the richness of its people.

The movement is gaining momentum and you're invited to be part of it. To learn more about The Circle or to support Black arts in Greater Cincinnati, visit artswave.org/give. Together, we can ensure that the arts not only enrich our region, they empower it.