2024 ArtsWave YP Grants

ArtsWave YP Grants support programs that engage young professionals in the Cincinnati region. Grants are made possible by the donations of young professionals to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

Here are the projects that will receive the grant in 2024:

Bi-Okoto | "Agidigbo"

"Agidigbo" is a quarterly gathering that fosters positive interactions with drumming, dancing, play-reading and networking among young professionals. "Agidigbo" is a platform to unwind and socialize while learning contemporary African dance moves, how to make African clothing using Ankara cloths, and how to cook African dishes. Attendees work in groups with Bi-Okoto members, learning to perform dance drama at culminating events. These culminations include local YP-centric groups like Afro Dynasty Group, UC Ghana Students Association, UC Nigerian Students Association and Bi-Okoto's Okoto Kekere.

Black Art Speaks | The Black Artist Exchange Retreat

Led by Asha White (AKA Asha the Artist), The Black Artist Exchange Retreat will provide a transformative experience for young Black artists. This immersive weekend retreat takes place in an open studio setting, allowing participants to engage in critiques, artist talks and inspiring field trips. Through these experiences, the artist will refine their abilities, gain insights from established artists and cultivate valuable connections within the art community. Black Art Speaks will collaborate with New York-based Creative Time to produce a curated experience, "The American Manifest," when the "Moving Chains" sculpture arrives in Cincinnati. The partnership will also facilitate a docent and mentorship program. Retreat participants will visit the exhibition, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion led by Charles Gaines, the artist behind "Moving Chains."

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | YP Preview Night

YP Preview Night brings young professionals to the first public preview performance night of each mainstage CSC show, offering a subsidized ticket rate that also includes a complimentary beverage. After the show, participants can chat with members of the artistic team and offer feedback. The program provides Cincy young professionals with a mid-week outing to relax and socialize as well as a chance to make their voices heard and participate in the art-making process. This season, YP Preview Nights will include a community table hosted by a local organization related to the production.

Contemporary Arts Center | CAC Co-Lab

The CAC's Collaborative Laboratory (Co-LAB) program is an experiment in what is possible. This public laboratory invites artists and creatives to collaborate with the CAC on community-based projects. The fall 2023 Co-LAB focuses on the series, "Architectural Abstractions," inspired by the 20th anniversary of the CAC's Zaha Hadid-designed building. This project involves a collaboration with architect and designer Lauren Whitehurst on workshops and collaborative design-through-making sessions. Each workshop, spanning a four-month period, centers on different abstract projects that build upon one another. Participants will create drawings, models and collages in a space that allows them to explore architectural concepts without intimidation.

The Ghostlight Stage Company | "Shining A Light" series

"Shining A Light" is an arts workshop and lecture series for young professional artists in the Cincinnati region that aims to train artists and arts administrators while providing a community for learning and connecting. Topics incluce "Financial Freedom for Artists," "ASL Interpretation in the Arts," "Fatphobia in Theatre" and "Anti-Racism in the Arts."

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | Freedom Fridays

Freedom Fridays are a monthly immersive after-dark experience at the Freedom Center from February 2 to July 12. Attendees will enjoy music, beverages and light bites. They can network with friends or make new ones at icebreaker stations, which feature crafts, art activities, games and conversation prompts. Performances, guided tours or DEIA programming will follow, closing out each evening event.

Nrityarpana | INDIAN AMERICAN Young Professional

This event series is designed to showcase the creative possibilities and benefits of living in Cincinnati for Indian American young professionals through various cross-cultural programming, beginning with a YP Mixer on November 3 in collaboration with Revolution Dance Theatre. The series continues through April 2024 with artist performances and workshops, set to culminate with "Bollywood on the Square" in June 2024.

Sweet Sistah Splash | AfroArt After Dark

AfroArt After Dark's "Selfie Park" is an annual event that brings together art exhibitions, installations, craft vendors and live performances to make community members engaged patrons of the arts. Attendees work with artists to design selfie installations for use on social media. Picture and video stations will help bring the art to life, creating greater visibility for the region's artists as the installations are shared across social media platforms. AfroArt After Dark commissions local Black arts organizations like Soul Palette and ROMAC to conceptualize the installations.

Taft Museum of Art | Taft at Twilight

Taft at Twilight is a new program aiming to build a community for young professionals at the Taft. The museum will host social and creative events designed to engage young adults in the Cincinnati area through exciting experiences in a museum setting. The Taft will also introduce a new young professional membership level offering membership benefits to new audiences, as well as opportunities to connect with peers and support the Taft's impacts on the region.