Making Waves Blog

Over $100,000 in new Catalyzing Impact grants were awarded to 17 local organizations, recommended by community volunteers who reviewed 35 applications. All the projects are worthy and exciting, but a few especially captured my attention for their sensitive responses to ArtsWave’s goals outlined in our Blueprint for Collective Action for the Arts Sector.

Enjoy the Arts will be joining ArtsWave as it continues to build a new audience of arts lovers. ArtsWave is the region’s local arts agency, supporting more than 100 arts and community organizations. They share Enjoy the Arts’ mission of introducing the region’s arts scene to a new generation of advocates and enthusiasts through their ArtsPass and CincYPerks programs. Together, Enjoy the Arts and ArtsPass can have an even greater impact.

At this time of giving thanks, we are grateful for each and every one of the tens of thousands of people who value and support the arts in our community. You make an impact on the arts, and a new Arts Vibrancy study from SMU shows just how much an impact the arts have made in Cincinnati.

Whether you feel like you’ve won or lost something today, there is an invitation in front of each one of us: to keep doing the work of building a more vibrant economy and connected community for all. At ArtsWave, we pledge to keep doing that with, and through, the arts.

For more than three months, community organizations, artists, residents and stakeholders have been gathering at ArtsWave to go through a creative placemaking training program led by Design Impact. The groups are tackling civic issues in their communities, using existing tools and design thinking principles to look at an issue in a new way that combines art and community.

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's Break Bread + Listen programs are a reminder that even when we might feel disconnected and cut-off from our fellow man, common ground is there – if you take the time to find it.

ArtsWave awarded 17 Catalyzing Impact grants this fall, investing $110,675 in arts and cultural institutions throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. Catalyzing Impact grants support a variety of arts programming and cultural heritage projects that align with the goals of ArtsWave's Blueprint for Collective Action.

ArtsWave had the pleasure of attending the “BCA 10” awards ceremony in New York City last week and paying tribute to one of 2016’s honorees, Cincinnati’s own Procter & Gamble. And, share how your company shows support by taking the BCA Survey of Business Support for the Arts.

The Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network (RTN) and ArtsWave have unveiled details of an unprecedented partnership to co-create a Cultural Tourism Campaign. This collaboration launches a multi-year strategic investment in marketing cultural tourism to increase Cincinnati USA visitor and resident awareness, visitation and engagement.

The first of the programs supported by the new ArtsWave YP Grants kicked off in September, attracting crowds of young professionals eager to engage with the arts that make Greater Cincinnati amazing.

Running from The Banks to Over-The-Rhine, the Cincinnati Bell Connector will give people a new and convenient way to get to arts performances and exhibits.

ArtsWave wants all kids to benefit from arts education, and we know from our research that more than 90 percent of Greater Cincinnati parents agree. Join in us in reminding decision-makers of the importance of arts education by sharing your #BecauseOfArtsEd story on Twitter or Facebook.

As summer turns to fall, we have some farewells to say in the arts world and a whole new season of amazing experiences to get ready for.

For more than 20 years, Heather Hallenberg has been “the best friend small arts ever had.” Heather has consistently lead from behind to foster momentum and change.

ArtWorks’ Summer Celebration took place on Friday, August 5 at Union Hall, celebrating the murals and projects created and in progress over 2016.

I was delighted to see Cincinnati arts organizations jump on the Pokémon GO bandwagon last week and encourage players to come inside to visit Pokéstops and collect characters. Pyramid Hill and the Cincinnati Art Museum were two enterprising cultural destinations that embraced the game. In the case of Pyramid Hill, they were rewarded with an 18 percent increase in visitors!

The Cincinnati Opera, with "Fellow Travelers," is just the latest of our region’s amazing arts assets to shine the national spotlight on our region.

CAALA is letting convention attendees know about all the amazing arts experiences exploring the African American experience that are happening while they're in Greater Cincinnati and throughout the next year.

Have your cake and eat it, too, when concert:nova ends its 2015-16 season July 19 on a sweet note with "Bon Appetit!"

Started as a wine promotion in select restaurants downtown, ArtsWave’s Toast to the Arts campaign has grown into a year-round, city-wide campaign by cocktail lounges, breweries and restaurants that invite guests to enjoy Greater Cincinnati’s finest libations while supporting the arts that make the region amazing. In July, Taste of Belgium and Fifty West Brewery each will Toast to the Arts.