Making Waves Blog

Macy’s Arts Sampler presented by ArtsWave returns February 27 and 28, celebrating its 30th year connecting Greater Cincinnati residents with the amazing arts opportunities offered in our region.

ArtsWave will start a Creative Placemaking Network in Greater Cincinnati thanks to a $35,000 grant from National Endowment for the Arts. This grant is one of just 18 made to local arts agencies around the country for supporting public engagement in the arts in this funding round.

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.

NewCo Cincinnati highlighted the innovative, entrepreneurial spirit of the region, including the creative energy of local arts organizations.

In partnership with the Community Organizing Committee (@BatterUpCincy) and Downtown Cincinnati, Inc., ArtsWave created a series of pop-up arts performances at CVG Airport and around Downtown.

Over the past five years, Clifton Cultural Arts Center has become an important hub of activity for the Clifton community. We asked Emmalene Benson, Programs and Office Coordinator, to share with us five ways that the CCAC is bringing neighbors and families together through the arts.

Cincinnati’s arts community embraces collaboration as a core value. Working together is our superpower, epitomized by the ArtsWave annual community campaign, dating back to 1949. Just think: once a year, for twelve weeks, arts organizations jointly promote fundraising by ArtsWave for the sake of generating tens of thousands of contributions for the entire arts ecosystem.

Tom Kent of Elementz Hip Hop Center for Youth shares how collaborations with other arts organizations has a positive effect on their young artists.

By regularly convening arts leaders and staff from large and small organizations, ArtsWave serves as a hub for the development of collaborations, partnerships, and shared resources.