Haile Foundation grant to make it easier to support local artists

The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation is providing financial support to create a multidisciplinary artist directory for the Greater Cincinnati region.

This hub, a partnership with the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, will serve as a network for regional artists to grow their businesses, connect with each other and gain visibility among potential supporters. As the project manager, the Chamber will provide directory members with resources offered to other small businesses, including professional development opportunities, access to group health insurance plans, networking events and more.

Term of the Haile Foundation gift aren’t available.

“The relationship between business and the arts to build upon the cultural vibrancy of our region cannot be overstated,” said Justin Brookhart, the Chamber’s senior VP of cultural economy and the executive director of BLINK. “Thanks to the Haile Foundation, we will expand access to business resources that will broaden opportunities for artists in our region.”

Support artists as small businesses

Building this infrastructure of support for individual artists in the community aims to drive the growth of cultural vibrancy and the creative sector in the region through several ways: 

• Resource sharing: A “one-stop shop” style hub offers professional development opportunities, low-cost studio space listings, grant and exhibition opportunities and a built-in audience.
• Connections with customers: Those looking to buy ready-to-buy artwork or hire artists for specific projects can use the database to find someone who best fits their needs.
• Visibility: The directory will shine a light on individual artists by sharing their stories with the community. It will be a central hub where people can discover and connect with these stories while honoring the diverse talent that makes our city unique.
• Chamber membership: Artists are small businesses. With a unique Chamber membership, participating artists can tap into cost savings programs, networking, and other business resources not typically available to them.

To get this project off the ground, the Chamber will conduct a search for the project’s director. The director will then work with other local organizations to support cultural efforts across the region.

Plans call for the artist directory to launch by mid-2025.

“Individual artists are integral to the vibrancy of our city and catalysts for growth,” said Haile Foundation Program Manager Calcagno (Cal) Cullen. “Yet as creative gig-workers they generally remain under-resourced and underpaid. I’m thrilled to see a new avenue for shining a light on our region’s creatives while connecting them with both income potential and business services to help them thrive.”