Making Waves Blog

Recognizing the power of the arts to connect communities and contribute to a thriving economy, 2016 ArtsWave Community Campaign Chairs Jill P. Meyer and Awadagin Pratt announced a goal to raise $12,450,000 this year to support arts making an impact in Greater Cincinnati.

Andrew Hungerford, artistic director of the Know Theatre, spoke with ArtsWave about bringing new and innovative works from exciting playwrights to Cincinnati audiences and the significance these productions hold for the Cincinnati.

Greater Cincinnati has a thriving arts scene -- and that's important for making sure the region also has a thriving economy.

ArtsWave kicks off its 2016 Community Campaign with a special February 1 concert that brings together world-class pianist Awadagin Pratt and University of Cincinnati President Santa Ono on the same stage at the College-Conservatory of Music.

At ArtsWave, we believe Greater Cincinnati's long-standing and vibrant arts community helps differentiate our region. How can we get more people talking about these successes and unique organizations that make Cincinnati amazing? How do we create, polish and amplify a positive reputation through the arts?

Myles Yeazell and Matthew Adams are the first Cincinnati area musicians selected to perform in the Detroit Sphinx Competition since 2002. Both young men perform with the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra and are performing in a benefit recital January 19.

The Cincinnati Arts and Technology Center is having its 8th Annual Student Show and Sale on Dec. 12. Taking this opportunity to shop local can deliver a little hope this holiday season.

Holiday cheer often means holiday travel, and for me, this year is no exception. Although time is tight and the to-do list long, part of my planning is also about what cultural events and arts-related places and spaces we’ll be hitting while I’m there. I’m not alone in checking out local arts when I travel, and - as they make great memories for themselves - arts travelers also make significant economic contributions to the communities they visit.

Arts are at the heart of holiday traditions in Cincinnati. The people behind some of the most beloved events of the season shared stories that demonstrate how arts can deepen roots in our community. Keep track of these and all the arts events of the holidays with our CincyArtsGuide.

Jamie Bennett, executive director of ArtPlace America and a popular TEDtalk presenter, offered inspiring words about how the arts can enliven neighborhoods and deepen roots in a community at National Philanthropy Day.

Jill Meyer, CEO and President of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the most recent ArtsWave ArtsBreak. Community leaders came to the gathering to learn more about how arts can help to put Cincinnati on the map, attracting young professionals and top talent to the local economy, and deepen community roots, keeping those talented employees here once they arrive.

Designed to advance ArtsWave’s vision of a more vibrant regional economy and more connected community for all, the Blueprint identifies five community goals that leverage the power of the arts. The Blueprint will provide a focus for ArtsWave’s community investments and strategic initiatives for the next ten years.