More than 40 arts organizations will receive operating support from the 2016 ArtsWave Community Campaign, chaired by Jill Meyer and Awadagin Pratt.
The organization’s board approved Sustaining Impact Grants adding up to $9.7 million. In the new fiscal year, it will invest an additional $550,000 through such grant initiatives as programming for young professionals, support for neighborhood arts and festivals, and Sparking Impact Grants for individual artists.
It also will give $250,000 to support initiatives related to arts education and cultural tourism marketing. That adds up to a total investment of $10.5 million supporting more than 100 arts groups.
All organizations receiving support must meet standards developed through ArtsWave’s Blueprint for Collective Action, a 10-year strategic plan.
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra was a top scorer in the new process and will receive the largest Sustaining Impact Grant. As a large regional organization, the CSO provided ArtsWave with details about how it was making an impact in all of the Blueprint goals. For example, it builds Cincinnati’s national reputation through recordings and tours.
Other examples of programs meeting the Blueprint goals include:
- Cincinnati Art Museum’s Art After Dark program, a monthly social gathering that mixes art, music and culture.
- Elementz’s collaborations with a variety of organizations, including Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Ballet.
- Kennedy Heights Arts Center’s creative programs and festivals, which it develops through close connections with residents.
- Cincinnati Boychoir’s programming with its own choir students and in Cincinnati schools.
“The demographics and interests of our community have changed and continue to change,” said Lisa Sauer, chair of the ArtsWave board of trustees. “The Blueprint and our community-led process makes sure ArtsWave, and the arts sector as a whole, is changing with our community and continuing to provide relevant, impactful programming.”