New Art Gallery is a Cultural Gateway to Northern Kentucky

A newly opened art gallery in the heart of Covington is bringing a fresh artistic perspective to the region’s newest community hub. The OneNKY Center Gallery, Fueled by ArtsWave, opened its doors on Friday, September 12.

Located inside the new OneNKY Center the new gallery was designed from the beginning as an integral part of the 47,000-square-foot building, which sits at the foot of the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge.

“The OneNKY Center Gallery illustrates the idea that arts and culture are fundamental to creating vibrant, connected communities,” explains Alecia Kintner, president and CEO of ArtsWave. “This gallery is more than decoration, it’s a strategic investment that shows how the arts transform public spaces into meaningful experiences and how important the creative economy is to the future of the region.”

What You Can Expect
The inaugural exhibition showcases professionally framed photographs that capture the essence and vibrancy of Northern Kentucky’s public art. These works highlight both traditional and modern public art throughout Boone, Kenton and Campbell Counties, offering visitors a visual tour of the region’s artistic landscape.

The gallery space itself a museum-quality experience for both visitors and the building’s tenants, with professional lighting and a gallery rail system. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to honoring both the artists and the community.

A Collaborative Effort
The gallery is the result of a partnership between ArtsWave, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority and meetNKY. Christine Russell, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, notes: “When planning the OneNKY Center, we knew art wasn’t just a ‘nice to have’ but an essential part of creating a welcoming space. This gallery reflects the importance of integrating the arts into economic development and community building.”

Julie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of meetNKY, emphasizes the gallery’s importance to regional tourism: “The arts are a critical component of what makes Northern Kentucky a distinctive destination. Creative placemaking initiatives like this showcase our authentic character and tell our story in engaging ways that can resonate with everyone in the region.”

The gallery is part of ArtsWave’s broader Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking initiatives, which use strategic arts investments to strengthen cultural identity and economic vitality through a thriving creative economy.

To learn more about ArtsWave’s Creative Placemaking initiatives and other grants, visit artswave.org/nky.