Making Waves Blog

Walnut Hills is building a roadmap through the arts to flourish for years to come.

Artist Brent Billingsley, 2023 ArtsWave Campaign Co-Chair Carl Satterwhite and ArtsWave VP of community investments Ray Gargano discuss how the arts can inspire our youth while bridging cultural divides.

What do the 140-year-old Cincinnati Art Museum and 30-something Black choreographer, David Choate, have in common? Both spend time thinking about historic legacies. And both are determined to push the region into the future.

ArtsWrap is an all-new podcast from ArtsWave, featuring interviews and discussions with the Cincinnati region's most exciting artists, creators, thinkers and more. Catch new episodes monthly by subscribing on your favorite podcast app.

When it returns October 13-16, BLINK®, illuminated by ArtsWave, will demonstrate how the arts can foster connectivity and put Cincinnati on the map. You can see it already in recently announced collaborations between local arts organizations and international artists.

From July 15-17, the 22 artists of ArtsWave's 2022 Black and Brown Artist Program reveal their work at the Truth & Inspiration Artist Showcase. These multidisciplinary projects reflect the program's theme of "truth and reconciliation" by taking an honest look at racial injustice and imagining a more equitable future for the Cincinnati region. We asked the artists about their work and what to expect at the Showcase.

After a two year wait due to COVID-19, Cincinnati Opera raises the curtain on the world premiere of "Castor and Patience" in July 2022. ArtsWave supports the production as part of Flow, an African American Arts Experience, as it brings world-class Black artistic talent to the region, elevates appreciation for Black artists and helps cultivate a diverse audience.

ArtsWave's CincyJams is the Cincinnati region's first workplace Battle of the Bands competition. Attendance is free and you, the audience, choose the winning bands. The event comes as recent trends show how important workplace engagement can be.

BLINK®, illuminated by ArtsWave, is the most anticipated event of the year. It's built on an ecosystem of arts festivals and special events that enliven the Cincinnati region and draw national and worldwide acclaim.

Asha Ama Daniels and Brent Billingsley's projects explore the themes of "truth and reconciliation" with the community playing an active role.

Jazzmeia Horn is a vocal force to be reckoned with. Even as her third album is under consideration for a Grammy, she's hard at work on a fourth. She'll share songs from both, plus jazz standards, when she comes to the Aronoff Center April 1-2.

The Cincinnati region's biggest ever event returns this fall. Take a look at what BLINK®, illuminated by ArtsWave, does for the region, see how it can deliver even more, and learn about special BLINK benefits you could get thanks to your gift to ArtsWave.

The arts can help to bridge cultural divides. They can provide a starting point that leads to more understanding at a historically divisive moment in history.

After a year of postponements, cancelations and pivots, we could all use a bit of joy and cheer. Find out how the arts bring back holiday favorites this season with fresh ideas on timeless themes.

Broadway's Norm Lewis comes to the Aronoff December 3-4 for ArtsWave's Flow, an African American Arts Experience. Before you take in his holiday cabaret, learn about his work with Black Theatre United to advance equity.

With the new Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance in Walnut Hills, Cincinnati Ballet advances its mission to enrich, expand and excel in the art of dance while centering its engagement with the community.

As live arts return to the Cincinnati Region, their success depends on an enthusiastic audience. Find out how ArtsWave is letting the community know about hundreds of events happening this fall.

With the help of the community, live arts are rebounding, with local arts organizations offering performances and exhibitions. Find out how Cincinnati is coming together to lay the groundwork for a vibrant economic recovery.

After months of preparation, local Black and Brown artists premiered their work at the Truth and Reconciliation Artist Showcase. Check out our recap of the Opening Weekend. Catch the Truth and Reconciliation Visual Art Exhibition at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center now through the end of October.

After a year marked by the pandemic and stark displays in systemic racism, ArtsWave awarded grants to projects that speak to the complexities of "truth" and "reconciliation." Learn how these projects are coming to life.