2024 Circle Grants

ArtsWave's Circle Grants strengthen the capacity and sustainability of arts organizations led by, or predominantly serving, Black Cincinnatians. They are funded in part by gifts to the ArtsWave Campaign by the Circle of African American Leaders for the Arts.

Here are the projects and initiatives that received the grant in 2024:

APNET provides local networking opportunities for professional development and business relationships within the African Diaspora. They organize cultural programs, business workshops and community service events, connecting the public to diverse cultures and supporting career advancement for its members.

Black Art Speaks is a non-profit art collective that promotes Black culture and social justice through various art forms. They support Black artists by finding employment opportunities, coordinating exhibitions and providing professional development experiences. BAS also offers mentoring and educational services for Black artists in Cincinnati.

For over 25 years, Cincinnati Black Theatre Company has kept the spirit of Black theater alive in the region. They offer theatrical productions, educational programs and community outreach initiatives. CBTC focuses on increasing literacy, promoting diversity and providing access to the arts for underserved communities.

It's Commonly Jazz produces free jazz events and educational programs to enliven communities and cultivate new audiences. They showcase emerging jazz artists under 40 and work to inspire appreciation for jazz among younger generations. The organization has expanded its reach through livestreaming and by integrating other art forms like spoken word and visual arts.

Jazz Alive is dedicated to promoting and advancing jazz music. Their programs include in-school jazz instruction, concerts for seniors in nursing homes, community jazz performances, and a radio program. They also present jazz concerts, including co-presenting the It's Commonly Jazz concert series, and they support the We Create Jazz initiative for women in the genre.

Juneteenth Cincinnati educates the public about the history and legacy of slavery and emancipation through the annual Juneteenth Festival. The festival promotes awareness of African American culture and provides a performance venue for diverse artists. Juneteenth events feature music, storytelling and activities for children, welcoming participation from all races and cultures.

The National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment leads efforts to promote equitable and inclusive programming within the arts and entertainment industry. They host events such as the Midwest Regional Black Culture Fest and Palate: A Black & Savory Experience, celebrating Black culture through art forms from visual to culinary.

The ROMAC continues the legacy of the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati, Which Robert O'Neal founded in 1974 in Cincinnati's historic West End. Based in the Regal Theatre, the ROMAC is dedicated to celebrating, advancing and preserving African American culture through arts, history and education. They work to uplift the diverse artists and cultures of Greater Cincinnati.